“It’s like telling your wife you’ve been messaging another girl” - Manchester United legend slams club for pursuing Tuchel with Ten Hag at the helm
Manchester United icon Andy Cole has compared his former club pursuing Thomas Tuchel to adultery. Erik ten Hag recently confirmed that United got in touch with Tuchel regarding taking over the managerial position next season.
Cole has slammed the Red Devils' approach as the epitome of unprofessionalism. He is flabbergasted by how public United's pursuit of Tuchel has been. Speaking to Betfred, Cole said (via Mirror):
"Admitting you've spoken to another manager is like telling your wife that you've been messaging another girl. It's like committing adultery."
Cole further added:
"For Erik ten Hag to claim that he was told by the club that they were speaking to Thomas Tuchel is crazy. It's just strange and even more so when you consider how public it's all been."
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 season, their worst finish of the 2023-24 era. They were also knocked out of the UEFA Champions League group stages.
The Dutch manager, however, managed to save his job. United won the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final, which turned out to be pivotal.
Erik ten Hag's words on Manchester United speaking to Thomas Tuchel
Erik ten Hag has previously confirmed that Manchester United informed him about their discussions with Thomas Tuchel. The German left the Bayer Munich job, making him an interesting available option.
Addressing the Tuchel situation, Ten Hag said on NOS' Euro 2024 coverage (via Mirror):
"[Manchester] United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager."
Ten Hag's side showed a significant dip in form in his second season at the club. That was contradictory to the progress that they had shown in 2022-23.
In Ten Hag's defense, he has won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club, the Carabao Cup in 2022-23 and the FA Cup last season. United will once again be under scrutiny in the 2024-25 season.