Erik Ten Hag was ex-Nice SD Julien Fournier’s 1st choice before appointing Christophe Galtier in 2021

Current Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag could have been appointed Nice manager in 2021, according to a report from Nice-Matin. The outlet has published a feature in the wake of the controversy following former Nice head coach Christophe Galtier. During his sole season as head of Les Aiglons, the current PSG manager allegedly held discriminatory remarks to Nice Sporting Director Julien Fournier, in particular regarding the ethnic make-up of the team and the topic of Ramadan fasting.

According to Nice-Matin, Fournier’s relationship with Galtier had turned sour from the get-go, when the latter complained to his Sporting Director about Nice’s transfer activity. The outlet revealed that Fournier’s first choice to spearhead INEOS-owned Nice was then-Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag. Fournier reportedly met the Dutch manager on several occasions. However, Galtier, who was leading Lille to a shock Ligue 1 title with Lille, got the nod. “If we are where we are now, it’s my fault because I chose him“, Fournier allegedly said to his entourage.

Ten Hag eventually stayed at Ajax for a final league title-winning season before putting pen to paper over a long-term deal with Manchester United.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval