Ex-Manchester United boss holds ‘secret meeting’ over major European job, Erik ten Hag too expensive

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Erik ten Hag is still waiting for his next managerial chance now finds another former Manchester United boss being linked with the same job.

January is coming towards its end and most clubs are focusing on the upcoming transfer deadline.

Late deals are now being pursued and Manchester United are no different.

United are set to sign Ayden Heaven whilst Patrick Dorgu is also poised to join United from Lecce in the coming days.

Managerial appointments are not exactly rife right now but Borussia Dortmund are one club chasing a new boss.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Ex-Manchester United boss to snub Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund recently axed Nuri Sahin following a testing run of form in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

The German side – who were in the Champions League final last year – are now chasing a new appointment.

Claims last weeks suggested that Erik ten Hag is simply too expensive for Dortmund after leaving United.

A deal for the Dutchman now appears to be dead in the water but Dortmund have explored appointing another former United boss.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claims that Dortmund held a ‘secret meeting’ with Austria boss Ralf Rangnick.

Dortmund wanted to find out whether Rangnick would be willing to take the job with immediate effect.

Rangnick is set to decline the offer though and will stay in charge of Austria with his contact set to expire at the end of 2025.

Dortmund still want Rangnick in the summer but he will not be heading to Signal Iduna Park right now.

Ralf Rangnick has rebuilt his reputation after Manchester United exit

Ten Hag v Rangnick for a managerial job may sound like a nightmare for some United fans, but the latter has rebuilt his career since leaving Old Trafford.

Rangnick won just 38% of his games in charge of United during the 2021-22 season, before leaving the club to be replaced by Ten Hag.

Rather than taking a job behind the scenes at United, Rangnick took the job as Austria boss as he turned his hand to international management.

Rangnick has lost just eight of his 33 games as Austria boss and they caught the eye at Euro 2024.

Now 66, Rangnick is a hot commodity in management once again and Dortmund’s interest actually makes sense.

Rangnick even rejected Bayern Munich last summer and a big return to club management wouldn’t be a huge shock later this year – whether it’s at Dortmund elsewhere.