Manchester United reportedly 'forgot' to tell Mauricio Pochettino that they were in advanced talks with Erik ten Hag over their vacant manager's position.
Ten Hag was confirmed as United's new permanent boss on Thursday, with the Dutchman taking charge at the end of the season. The Ajax boss was battling against Pochettino to be appointed, with the duo seen as the leading two candidates for the position.
Ultimately, Ten Hag impressed Red Devils chiefs more than his rival and has beaten him to the post. But it appears that United were attempting to keep their preference for Ten Hag a secret from Pochettino.
According to The Athletic, United chiefs John Murtough, Darren Fletcher and Richard Arnold flew out to Amsterdam for talks with Ten Hag at the end of March. That was just one of 'multiple direct meetings' with the Dutchman, with his reputation 'enhanced' after each.
Talks are said to have continued around the potential make-up of Ten Hag's backroom staff and his long-term vision for United. Ten Hag had impressed so much that he was invited to a 'lengthy meeting' with the club's Glazer owners, with both parties leaving pleased with each other.
With negotiations with Ten Hag progressing well, news broke of United's move to make him their top choice to take over. It is stated that the timing of this was 'awkward', with Pochettino having not been informed of those developments.
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Pochettino appears to have been caught totally by surprise that Ten Hag had become the favoured candidate. The Argentine is said to have been 'properly gathering' information about Manchester as a city, the structure of United and profiles of the squad.
But at 'no point' did United make direct contact with Paris Saint-Germain in order to discuss removing him from his contract. The Red Devils had instead planned to inform Pochettino directly of their decision to appoint Ten Hag before the announcement came.
Ten Hag, United and Ajax had all agreed to wait until after the KNVB Cup final, held on Sunday, before making the announcement to avoid any distractions. Though Ajax lost that game, United are certain they have appointed the right man, with Murtough hailing his spell at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
"During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth," Murtough said.
"In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that. We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer."
