Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness turned down an approach from Manchester United in the summer, according to reports in Germany.
United’s hierarchy conducted a review of Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford in the summer and had considered replacing the Dutchman before offering him a new contract.
Thomas Tuchel is understood to have been one of the managers approached by United before the Premier League side opted to stick with Ten Hag.
According to Bild, Hoeness was also on United’s radar and the club made contact with the 42-year-old in July about the prospect of moving to the Premier League.
The report claims that Hoeness ‘politely declined’ United’s advances as he wants to remain at Stuttgart to build on last season’s impressive form.
Stuttgart ended up finishing second in the Bundesliga behind champions Bayer Leverkusen which secured their place in this season’s Champions League.
Hoeness also signed a contract extension with Stuttgart before United’s approach, which keeps him tied to the Bundesliga club until 2027.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, is under renewed pressure at United following their worst-ever start to a Premier League season after seven games.
United’s hierarchy held a meeting in London last week to discuss Ten Hag’s position but the Dutchman’s position is safe despite the team’s inconsistent performances.
United will resume their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they host Brentford at Old Trafford.
When asked about Ten Hag’s position earlier this month, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: ‘I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.
‘But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June, July. They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – [CEO] Omar [Berrada], [sporting director] Dan Ashworth – they only arrived in July.
‘They’ve only been there… you can count it in weeks almost, they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.
‘Our objective is very clear – we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously – that’s very clear. There’s work to be done.’
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