Fred Rutten, Erik ten Hag’s old boss, has disclosed that he has declined an offer to join the incoming Manchester United manager at Old Trafford next season.
Ten Hag will take over as coach of the 20-time English champions at the end of the season, with Ralf Rangnick moving up to a consultant post and juggling his responsibilities as Austria coach.
The 52-year-old will supervise big changes in the Theatre of Dreams’ playing and staff personnel, and is rumored to be putting together his coaching staff.
Ten Hag has a close association with Rutten, having worked as his assistant at FC Twente for two years before returning to PSV Eindhoven between 2009 and 2012.
Before moving on to his first management role with Go Ahead Eagles, the current Ajax manager was Rutten’s number two at PSV and was eager to work with the Dutchman in Manchester.
But Rutten has other ideas.
“I have a family, I have grandchildren. I want to see them every now and then,’ Rutten told ESPN, as quoted by Metro. “At Manchester United, you get on a train and you can’t get off it. I want to feel comfortable in something you step into. That is the case with PSV.
‘It’s nice when you have grandchildren, who you see every now and then and who can play ball with. Of course, I spoke extensively with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“He triggered me to give up the slightly freer life that I now have. He sat in the room with me and we talked for two hours about football and other things. And when talking about those other things in life, he also triggered me.
“I think Ruud already has some experience, he has already trained a number of teams, at Jong PSV and their under-18s.
“He has also acquired experience from the Dutch national team. Ruud is ready, that’s what it seems to me. I am positively critical. For me, PSV stands for a Champions League club. Everything you do should serve that thought.”
Ten Hag will not be leading Man United into the Champions League next season after the Red Devils’ humiliating 4-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, with sixth place now the best that the Red Devils can hope for.
