Tottenham turned down Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag in 2021 because of one bizarre reason

Tottenham turned down Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in 2021 for a bizarre reason.

The north Londoners welcome United this evening in a Premier League clash that could have big implications on the race for the top four.

Tottenham’s woeful season reached a new low on Sunday after the club were humbled 6-1 by Newcastle United.

Spurs will be hoping for a response to the weekend’s battering, which cost interim manager Cristian Stellini his job.

Meanwhile, United go into the clash in fourth place, fresh from having claimed an FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton at the weekend.

While United have endured stuttering form in recent weeks, the club have made progress since Ten Hag’s arrival last summer, and even claimed the Carabao Cup in February - their first trophy in six years.

Indeed, Ten Hag has proven himself to be an accomplished manager this term, to the frustration of Tottenham fans. Indeed, the Dutchman could have been in the Spurs dugout this evening had things gone differently.

Ten Hag turned down by Tottenham

As reported in the Telegraph, Tottenham turned down Ten Hag two years ago as they searched for a replacement for Jose Mourinho.

They passed on the then-Ajax coach, instead appointing Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just four months at the helm.

The publication claimed that a lack of charisma was cited as one factor behind Spurs’ decision to snub the 53-year-old.

Another reason for the decision to look elsewhere was Ten Hag’s language difficulties, with his English having been considered no more than adequate.

Paradoxically, United are said to believe one of Ten Hag’s biggest strengths has been his communication skills, with his directness thought to be central to his success.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is again on the hunt for a new head coach and director of football after the recent departures of Antonio Cone and Fabio Paratici.

Indeed, Julien Nagelsmann is understood to be a coaching candidate after being sacked by Bayern Munich last month.

Topics: Football, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.