Manchester United reportedly approached Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness about replacing Erik ten Hag, but the coach declined.
Ten Hag faced heavy criticism following a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw United finish eighth in the Premier League, only to restore some respect with an unexpected FA Cup triumph over champions Manchester City. Following the campaign, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to consider taking over the post.
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After failing to locate a viable replacement, United’s high brass chose to keep Ten Hag and even extended his contract until 2026, before providing him with a massive £180 million in transfer funds. However, the haphazard procedure that led to this decision continues to draw criticism.
Since then, Ten Hag has led the club to their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, with only eight points from seven games, including devastating 3-0 home losses to archrivals Liverpool and Tottenham, putting enormous pressure on the Dutchman.
According to German tabloid Bild, Hoeness – who has yet to win any coaching awards – was another managerial candidate United was considering this summer, alongside Tuchel, with sources suggesting the Red Devils even inquired if he would accept the post.
According to the article, Hoeness “declined” the offer, preferring to stay with Stuttgart after their excellent Bundesliga campaign last year, which saw them finish second behind winners Bayer Leverkusen and earn them a position in the winners League.
Stuttgart was constantly facing relegation prior to Hoeness taking over last year. However, he was able to preserve them from relegation at the end of the 2022-23 season, when his team defeated Hamburg in the relegation playoff.
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