‘Arrogance’ - Former Newcastle manager tears into Manchester United for Erik ten Hag decision

Alan Pardew believes Manchester United were foolish to announce Erik ten Hag will be staying before agreeing terms with the manager.

The former Newcastle United boss - who also claims the Red Devils “disrespected” Ten Hag - did not hold back on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to stick with the Dutchman. Reports before the FA Cup final suggested Man United were set to fire the 54-year-old.

Ten Hag led the club to its worst-ever Premier League finish, with the lowest points total and most defeats. But two trophies in as many seasons proved his saving grace and has earned him another year at Old Trafford.

Beating bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final cost Newcastle a place in next season’s Conference League. The result also kept Ten Hag in a job amid reports linking Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel with the hot seat.

Ex-Toon boss Pardew has slammed Man United’s decision to let speculation linger before confirming Ten Hag is staying. The 63-year-old also urged the Dutchman to take advantage of his “great negotiating position” during contract talks.

“You can’t say anything else other than it was disrespectful to him and he is sending that,” Pardew told talkSPORT. “His interview when he did his interview for Dutch TV was enlightening. He was more or less saying ‘Well, they’ve had their review and they’ve come to the (idea) I am the best’. He has that arrogance about him.

“From my point of view, he holds all the cards. They’ve come out with a statement saying they’re going to give him a new contract when he hasn’t got the contract yet. If I were Ten Hag, I’d make them pay for that. Why wouldn’t you? He won’t be walking away - you don’t walk away from Man United. But he’s in a great negotiating position.”