Newcastle wanted to pay Ten Hag £11m-a-year, now he could join Man United

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In an alternative universe, Erik ten Hag is the manager of Newcastle United.

The Dutchman was one of multiple names linked with the Toon job following the departure of Steve Bruce.

Shortly following the takeover, the new Toon owners gave themselves a huge decision to make. The club couldn’t stick with Bruce, so had to make a big change earlier into their ownership than they would’ve liked.

Bruce was gone, and plenty of names were linked with replacing him. There were big names, underwhelming names, enticing names and wildcard names.

In the end it was Eddie Howe who got the gig, and he’s having a great time at St James’ Park so far.

However, another manager who was heavily linked was Erik ten Hag, and he was one of the more exciting options that PIF and co reportedly looked at.

The Ajax boss has a huge reputation, and the Magpies owners were prepared to pay him big bucks. According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle were willing to pay Ten Hag £11million-a-year to manage the club. Only Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte earn more in the Premier League.

However, Ten Hag was unsure on the move, and Newcastle eventually went with Howe. He’s doing well, but the Magpies could potentially come up against Ten Hag next season.

Ex-Newcastle target Ten Hag an ‘option’ for Man United

Plenty of Premier League clubs have changed manager this season, not just Newcastle.

Manchester United are one of the teams to sack their man on the touchline, and they’re yet to find a long-term replacement.

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick is at Old Trafford until the end of the season, but the Red Devils will be appointing a new manager this summer.

And the Athletic report that Ten Hag is an option for them. However, they add that he could be a difficult target to obtain.

Ten Hag’s Ajax side play wonderful football, and it would be incredibly exciting to see him in the Premier League from a neutral standpoint. But for Newcastle, it would be an opportunity to see what we could have potentially won if he’d agreed to join the club.

He was an ambitious target for Newcastle – arguably too ambitious. Luckily, Howe is delivering and has the fans very much on side.

And if Ten Hag does come to the Premier League, Howe will be keen to get one over on him and prove Newcastle got this one right.