Manchester United have reportedly not made an approach for former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to replace Erik ten Hag as manager of the Red Devils.
Manchester United “have not made an approach” for former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, despite increasing pressure on Erik ten Hag‘s position as manager, according to a report.
The Red Devils finished eighth in the Premier League last season and seemed poised to dismiss Ten Hag until he orchestrated a remarkable victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The Dutchman needed a strong start to this season after a summer during which the club contacted several managers regarding his potential replacement, but after seven matches, his side are in 14th place.
One of the managers who was heavily linked to the United manager role was Tuchel, who joined Chelsea in January 2021 and secured the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
The German tactician was dismissed in September 2022, shortly after the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital consortium acquired the club from Roman Abramovich in a £2.5bn deal.
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No formal approach made to Tuchel
According to Sky Sports, Man United officials are expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss football-related issues, with Ten Hag’s future likely to be one of the topics on the agenda.
However, the report adds that while the Dutchman’s future at the club is uncertain, there has been no formal approach made to Tuchel to replace him at this time.
It is understood that the possibility of Ruud van Nistelrooy taking over as caretaker manager has been suggested, but two major questions arise: is it too early in the season for such a change, and who would he be a temporary replacement for?
During a strategic review this summer, United are believed to have spoken to several high-profile candidates, including the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Marco Silva and Tuchel.
United are currently in the midst of their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with just eight points earned in seven games, and only five points separating them from the drop zone.
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Ten Hag believes he has Man United backing
While speculation around the next Man United manager continues, Ten Hag believes he still has the full support of the Red Devils’ hierarchy.
At the end of last month, the Dutchman answered questions regarding his immediate future after the club’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to Tottenham. He said: “I’m not thinking about being sacked. We all made this decision to stay together in the summer, as an ownership group, leadership group.
“Also we made the decision, after a clear review, what we have to improve as an organisation and how to construct a squad.”
Asked the same question after his side’s goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, the 54-year-old provided a similar response: “I don’t have any idea that is different because they should have told me [if not].
“We communicate very openly and transparently. I speak continuously with them. Every week, I would say every day, we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”