Gary Lineker and Micah Richards both felt the same way about the “strange” and “ridiculous” decision from Manchester United under club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to stay at Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos completed their end-of-season review at the Red Devils.
The 54-year-old Dutchman’s future had been plunged into doubt at United in recent weeks, despite lifting the FA Cup trophy with the Red Devils in May.
Erik ten Hag had overseen a turbulent 2023-24 season at Old Trafford, with United falling short of the Premier League top four and finishing eighth in the league table.
It is believed that United pushed forward with an end-of-season review after the FA Cup final, with Ineos considering a potential replacement for Ten Hag.
United have been linked with several managers since Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford, including Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel.
What did Ten Hag say about Ineos decision?
Erik ten Hag has since spoken out about the situation at Manchester United and made his feelings clear on Ineos sounding out different managerial replacements.
The former Ajax boss is under contract until 2025, but it is believed that United have opened talks over a new deal after retaining his services for next season.
Speaking to Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag admitted that he was informed by United that they had spoken with former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel.
However, the United boss took a swipe at Tuchel by claiming that the Red Devils had finally come to the realisation that “they already have the best manager.”
“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag said.
“They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.
“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.
“Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.”
Lineker and Richards react to Ten Hag comments
Gary Lineker slammed the “poor” decision and “strange behaviour” from United over the way in which the Ten Hag situation had been handled post-season.
“One new story before we finish,” he said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“Erik ten Hag, who has been working on Dutch TV, has admitted United told him they spoke to Thomas Tuchel.
“It’s strange behaviour from the club and odd that he would admit that. It’s poor from the club. It’s extraordinary. I’ve never known anything like this.
“Who knows what will happen there because he also said they need to discuss a new contract.
“In his defence, and he deserves to be defended, he’s won two trophies at the club.”
Micah Richards, much like Lineker, was far from impressed with how United co-owner Ratcliffe and his Ineos team treated United boss Ten Hag.
The Sky Sports pundit even urged the “disrespected” Dutchman to consider walking away from Old Trafford after the “ridiculous” treatment he received.
“He’s been disrespected,” Richards said.
“How bad is that?
“We were talking about Jim Ratcliffe coming in and changing things, hiring proper football people, and then you hear stories like this. It’s ridiculous.
“How can you do that? If I was the manager I would say, no problem, this isn’t for me. I don’t think it’s fair what’s happened.”