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Inside Monaco meeting where Ratcliffe 'decided Ten Hag should go' before U-turn

12 June 2024 , 15:05
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Club chiefs came very close to reaching an agreement with potential successors
Club chiefs came very close to reaching an agreement with potential successors

MANCHESTER UNITED club chiefs agreed to sack Erik ten Hag at a meeting in Monaco before making a dramatic U-turn, according to reports.

The United boss was almost axed on several occasions but is now confirmed to be staying on in his post.

Erik ten Hag saved his job by winning the FA Cup eiqrtiqxxiqzhprw
Erik ten Hag saved his job by winning the FA CupCredit: Reuters
Club chiefs including Sir David Brailsford had agreed to sack the Dutchman
Club chiefs including Sir David Brailsford had agreed to sack the DutchmanCredit: Getty
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to bring in his own man
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to bring in his own manCredit: Alamy

Ten Hag came under pressure towards the end of the season before saving his job by winning the FA Cup.

A meeting in Monaco involving director Sir Dave Brailsford as well as interim chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc and technical director Jason Wilcox resulted in the unanimous agreement Ten Hag should be sacked, report The Athletic.

It was a consensus club chiefs had leaned towards in the days and weeks building up to the meeting, with United's 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace a big concern.

Marcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten HagMarcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten Hag

United bosses were worried about Ten Hag's coaching and tactical selections, which almost saw the Red Devils knocked out of the FA Cup semi-final after throwing away a 3-0 lead against Coventry.

Prior to that Ten Hag was to be given the beginning of next season to try and turn around the club's fortunes.

But directors were also concerned with the mood around the training ground, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly keen to bring in his own man.

There were also concerns over Ten Hag's vision for the future, and a clause in his contract which gave him the right to veto signings.

Ten Hag was almost sacked before United's game against Arsenal on May 12, with an interim coach considered.

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United also spoke to Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi about succeeding the Dutchman, and came as close as discussing finances with the pair.

Ten Hag was granted a stay of execution following wins against Newcastle and Brighton, and by winning the FA Cup he achieved qualification for the Europa League to boost the club's coffers.

Kealan Hughes

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