Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness reportedly 'declined' the chance to become Manchester United manager in the summer.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is currently fighting to keep his job after overseeing a disappointing start to the season.
The Red Devils won just two of their first seven Premier League matches (D2, L3), leaving them in 14th position in the Premier League table.
Unfortunately for Ten Hag, this is not the first time he has seen his job come under threat after being on the verge of the sack following the end of last season.
Ten Hag oversaw an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and a disappointing group-stage exit in the Champions League.
![Sebastian Hoeness, head coach of Stuttgart, in an interview regarding his side's first Bundesliga match of 2024-2025 against Freiburg on August 24, 2024 [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/sebastian-hoeness_1.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Sebastian Hoeness, head coach of Stuttgart, in an interview regarding his side's first Bundesliga match of 2024-2025 against Freiburg on August 24, 2024 [on August 25, 2024]")
© Imago
Hoeness turned down Man United approach
The Dutchman went on to lead Man United to FA Cup glory, but there was still uncertainty as to whether he would remain in his post for the current campaign.
Man United's co-owners INEOS seemingly explored a number of managerial options, including former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
According to Bild, Man United also made contact with Hoeness over the possibility of replacing Ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.
The report claims that the Red Devils approached Hoeness before they decided to extend Ten Hag's contract until 2026.
Man United enquired about whether Hoeness would be available and about 'possible transfer modalities', but the Stuttgart head coach ultimately rejected their approach.
© Imago
Why were Man United keen on Hoeness?
The Red Devils were evidently left impressed by Hoeness's fine work since taking over the reins at the MHP Arena in April 2023.
Hoeness kept Stuttgart in the Bundesliga in 2022-23 via a 6-1 aggregate win over Hamburg in the relegation playoff, before he oversaw a significant improvement during the 2023-24 campaign.
Stuttgart collected 73 points from 34 matches to finish in second position and one point ahead of third-placed Bayern Munich.
Hoeness's side racked up 78 goals to finish the campaign as the third-highest scorers and conceded just 39 times to end the campaign with the joint second-best defensive record.
Having showcased his coaching skills with Stuttgart, it remains to be seen whether Hoeness would garner further interest from Man United if they decide to part ways with Ten Hag in the near future.
