VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness turned down job at Manchester United in the summer

VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness was reportedly offered a job at Manchester United in the summer but turned down the opportunity.

Erik ten Hag narrowly retained his role in the summer after an extremely poor 2023/24 season which saw United finish eighth in the Premier League, their lowest ever since 1989/90.

He seemed destined for dismissal but survived, largely thanks to the club’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City at Wembley. After a lengthy end-of-season review, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS not only decided to give the Dutchman more time, but also triggered a one-year extension to his contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2026.

However, the United hierarchy are believed to have held exploratory talks with a number of potential replacements for Ten Hag, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi and others.

The slow start to United’s current campaign has led to renewed speculation over Ten Hag’s future at the club and as a result, managerial links have emerged once again.

According to BILD reporter Julian Agardi, the brilliant Hoeness was approached by United in the summer, with the Reds keen to pique his interest in a potential move to England.

Hoeness rejected his advances.

Agardi wrote on X: “During the summer holidays, Manchester United knocked on Sebastian’s door #Hoeneß. The “Red Devils” asked about possible transfer terms. Hoeneß felt flattered, but politely declined.”

“Because he doesn’t see his #VfB career as over at all.”

This information was reaffirmed by Agardi’s colleague at BILD, Christian Falk.

It’s no surprise that United have admiration for Hoeness, who is undoubtedly one of the best up-and-coming managers at the moment.

The 42-year-old tactician guided Stuttgart into the Champions League after a sensational second-place finish in the Bundesliga last season, ahead of giants Bayern Munich.

Under his tutelage, Stuttgart boasted the second-best defense in the German top flight, behind unbeaten winners Bayer Leverkusen.

The Baden-Wurttemberg team are currently in eighth place in the Bundesliga, having gained nine points from their first six games.

As pressure continues to mount on Ten Hag, Hoeness is certainly someone to watch as a potential successor.

Featured Image Christian Kaspar-Bertke via Getty Images

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