Manchester United were knocked back in an approach for Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness during the summer, according to a report.
The club opted against sacking Erik ten Hag after conducting a lengthy end-of-season review in the wake of their FA Cup triumph at Wembley but the Dutchman remains under pressure after a sluggish start to the new campaign.
United figures, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, spoke to a number of potential replacements including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi and are believed to have discussed financials with both coaches.
Ten Hag was ultimately asked to remain in his post after Brailsford and a club delegation flew out to meet him during his holiday in Ibiza.
However, it has now emerged that United also weighed up appointing Hoeness.
Bild have claimed that contact was made with the 42-year-old, who also attracted interest from both Chelsea and Bayern Munich, only for him to turn United down.
Hoeness led his Stuttgart side to an impressive second-place finish in the Bundesliga last term, behind only Bayer Leverkusen and ahead of giants Bayern.
He is said to have been flattered by United's sales pitch but, believing his work in Germany was not yet finished, turned down the chance to join them.
Ten Hag, who looked to be teetering on the brink of the axe in May despite winning two trophies in as many years, was retained after an extension was triggered in his contract.
But he finds himself under increasing pressure after a series of poor results this season. Tuchel and Graham Potter have been linked with the hot seat.
United officials held a scheduled meeting at INEOS' Knightsbridge headquarters last week and Ten Hag's future was discussed.
No official clarity has been provided on his future, with the club remaining silent, and Ten Hag is preparing for his side's return to action against Brentford next weekend.
The 54-year-old jetted on holiday after United's goalless draw with Aston Villa before the international break, confident he would not be dismissed.
Ten Hag jetted away on holiday during the international break, confident he would not be axed
Ten Hag has overseen United's worst-ever start to the Premier League season as they sit 14th with just eight points from their first seven games. Damningly, the Red Devils are also winless in their last five matches across all competitions.
The Sun have reported that a fresh name has entered the mix in the form of Edin Terzic, who departed Borussia Dortmund after their Champions League final defeat.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, hired as one of Ten Hag's assistant in a coaching shake-up over the summer, could be placed in temporary charge should the manager be sacked.