Back in the summer of 2024, after a very disappointing Premier League season in which the team finished 8th, many had expected Manchester United to sack manager Erik ten Hag and thus bring an end to his two-year stint at the club. 

However, United shocked everyone and beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, not only winning a trophy but also securing European football in the form of the Europa League for the 24/25 season. 

So, the club was left in a pickle? It was only one game, after a terrible season over a much larger sample size, but could you sack a manager who has just won the FA Cup? 

Well, you can - and United did so back in 2016 with Louis van Gaal. But this time, it was INEOS making the decision, not the Glazers. And this was different from beating Crystal Palace; it was beating your noisy neighbours, of a much higher standard. 

Therefore, the club stuck with Ten Hag for the start of the 24/25 season. As expected, things went terribly and the Dutchman was sacked at the end of October, following a defeat at West Ham United.

Three months wasted. However, it could have been a lot different. Indeed, as Jurgen Klopp's agent revealed that United made enquiries about the German manager after he left Liverpool. 

"Even Manchester United and Chelsea inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries kept coming," he told journalist Euan Robertson. 

Well, where to even start? Considering, as his agent mentioned, he had said he would not manage another club in England, never mind the fiercest rivals of the club he had just spent 8 1/2 years managing, it was always going to be a massive, massive long shot of the highest proportion. 

Since these comments, United have since denied this was the case, but you have to wonder - why would he lie about it? What is there to gain for his agent to completely lie about it unprovoked? 

Having left in the summer of 2024, Klopp has not taken up another role in management - instead working in a more "upstairs" role at Red Bull. This has been quite a controversial move, considering the Red Bull franchise - particularly RB Leipzig - is very hated in Germany, seen as a company that goes against the working-class nature of life and sport in the country. 

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!