Erik ten Hag takes a dig at former Chelsea coach by calling himself the “best manager”

Erik ten Hag takes swipe at former Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel and says Manchester United felt he was the right man for job

Erik ten Hag has fired a shot at former Chelsea manager and confirmed that he was aware that Manchester United contacted Thomas Tuchel to replace him at the club. He also further claimed United came to the conclusion that they felt Ten Hag was the perfect choice to continue at the club.

Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich after two seasons at the club, was identified as an ideal replacement to succeed Ten Hag at United, but the former Blues manager decided to take a one-year sabbatical while the Red Devils opted to continue with the former Ajax manager.

Ten Hag has been at United for two seasons and won two trophies: the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. The 54-year-old saw United endure one of their poorest spells as they finished eighth in the league but managed to secure a place in the Europa League after an FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag opened up about his future at United and also confirmed Tuchel was one of the candidates to replace him, (h/t Football. London), he further commented:

“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with (Thomas Tuchel), yes. They said they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”.

Ten Hag has done enough to remain at United, as he led them to two trophies in his two seasons at United, but comparing himself to Tuchel, who elevated the Blues’ performance after his appointment, made them T4 contenders in the Premier League, and led them to a Champions League trophy in his first season, could be a little unfair.

Thomas Tuchel deserves some break from management.  (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel deserves some break from management. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

The Dutchman is certainly a pragmatic coach, and with the right players, he can achieve many things because we saw at Ajax how he made them into a top European side. United feel he is the right man to lead them next season, which is their decision and with more backing from the board, maybe he will return United to its glory days.

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Tuchel, on the other hand, was one of the best managers in our opinion and turned the Blues into the most imposing team in Europe. If he had been given more time, we might have already been the Premier League winners, but the board chose to act independently, and ever since, we have been appointing and dismissing managers.