ERIK TEN HAG revealed Manchester United underwent a hiring process that is not allowed in Holland.
United confirmed they would keep Ten Hag in charge after he led the club to FA Cup glory last month.
But club chiefs considered replacing the Dutchman and even spoke to potential replacements.
Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi held talks with United over the possibility of taking over.
And according to Ten Hag such practice is forbidden in his native Holland.
He told Dutch outlet Nos: "As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too.
"The new owner is new to football, he has taken his time.
"They have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers.
"That is not even allowed in the Netherlands.
"Then it is forbidden to talk to other coaches if there is still a trainer."
Ten Hag, 54, is now set to be offered a new contract but he has three big demands before he puts pen to paper.
He will not relinquish control of transfers, which the new set-up wanted to take out of his hands.
And Ten Hag will not allow Jadon Sancho back into the first-team squad unless the player apologises for labelling him a liar last term.
The boss also wants his first-team coach Benni McCarthy given a new contract with his current deal set to expire.