Man Utd accused of committing 'adultery' on Erik ten Hag after holding talks with Thomas Tuchel as club legend compares managerial mess to 'telling your wife you've been messaging another girl'

Manchester United have decided to stick with Ten Hag as manager for another season despite holding talks with former Chelsea and Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel. The Dutchman has said he knows the club spoke to Tuchel and "several other trainers" before opting to keep him on as "they already had the best manager."

Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford came under scrutiny after he oversaw the club's worst ever Premier League finish and a dismal Champions League campaign. However, the Dutchman did manage to finish the season on a high by guiding the Red Devils to an impressive FA Cup win over rivals Manchester City at Wembley. United then conducted a review of the season and opted to stick with Ten Hag, but the decision to speak to Tuchel has been criticised by club legend Cole.

He told Betfred: "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. Admitting that you’ve spoken to another manager is like telling your wife that you’ve been messaging another girl. It’s like committing adultery."

Ten Hag is now expected to sign a contract extension with Manchester United, but Cole has warned he will come under pressure again if his team makes a poor start to the season.

"It may take more than a few bad results, but the scrutiny will be on him from the first day of pre-season," he added. "If they start their season like they did the last, then of course the pressure is going to be on him quickly. It will be very interesting to see how it all works out."

Manchester United kick off their 2024-25 Premier League season at home to Fulham on August 16.