Manchester United chiefs left two potential bosses ‘astounded’ during early job talks before Erik ten Hag was appointed, it has been claimed. The Red Devils turned to the Dutchman in April after being impressed by his work at Ajax. But United had held extensive discussions with a number of other candidates before Ten Hag was offered the job. And according to The Times, two managers were left shocked by the way United conducted themselves during negotiations. The report claims that one potential boss was left ‘bemused’ by the club’s handling of references, while another was ‘astounded’ by the lack of clarity over the role. It is said that United’s hierarchy were not always clear about what they wanted from their next manager, and that this led to confusion among some of the candidates. The report also claims that United were slow to make a decision on who to appoint, which led to some managers losing interest in the job. In the end, United decided to appoint Ten Hag, who has a proven track record of success at Ajax. The Dutchman has won two Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups during his time in Amsterdam. He has also guided Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Ten Hag is now tasked with rebuilding United, who have endured a difficult season under interim boss Ralf Rangnick. The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League.Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United Stay Saved by Money Issues for SuitorsErik ten Hag’s Manchester United Stay Saved by Money Issues for Suitors Manchester United’s disappointing 2023/24 season, culminating in their lowest-ever Premier League finish, prompted a post-season review and consideration to sack manager Erik ten Hag. However, financial constraints proved to be a major deterrent for potential successors. Budgetary Obstacles Discourage Candidates The Times reported that candidates on United’s shortlist were “astounded” by the low salary and transfer budget offered. One manager was “unimpressed” with the transfer funds allocated, while another was discouraged by the potential signing of Antonio Rudiger due to his age and price range. Tuchel’s Failed Bid Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea boss, fell out of contention due to his desire to sign Rudiger, an idea rejected by United’s sporting operations chief, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Other Candidates Considered Mauricio Pochettino and Brentford boss Thomas Frank were also considered for the position. However, Brentford denied receiving any contact from United, and doubts arose about the club’s willingness to pay Frank’s release clause. Kieran McKenna, former assistant manager at United, faced similar financial hurdles. Ten Hag’s Contract Extension Despite United’s disappointing season, Sir Dave Brailsford played a key role in keeping ten Hag in his position. The club has now decided to extend his contract, which was entering its final season. Conclusion Manchester United’s financial situation inadvertently saved Erik ten Hag’s job, as potential managerial candidates were deterred by the club’s budgetary constraints. The Dutchman will now remain in his position and is likely to sign a contract extension.Manchester United left two prospective managers ‘astounded’ during talks before performing a U-turn to appoint Erik ten Hag. The Athletic claim that the Old Trafford hierarchy had initially targeted either Mauricio Pochettino or Luis Enrique before their decision to hire the Dutchman. However, it is alleged that both managers were shocked by the club’s plans for the future, with the pair questioning the recruitment strategy and transfer budget. Pochettino had been the frontrunner to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before United opted for an interim boss in Ralf Rangnick until the end of the season. But it is claimed that the former Tottenham manager was not convinced by United’s long-term vision and was unhappy with the club’s proposed transfer strategy. Enrique was also approached by United but was apparently put off by the club’s lack of a clear plan for the future. The former Barcelona boss is said to have been unimpressed by United’s recruitment strategy and was not convinced that he would be given the necessary backing to succeed. United eventually opted to appoint ten Hag, who has impressed at Ajax in recent years. The Dutchman is seen as a long-term appointment who can rebuild United and restore them to their former glories.