Manchester United reportedly identify former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United have reportedly identified Thomas Tuchel as their first-choice candidate to replace current manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman appeared to be on the verge of being sacked after he oversaw an eighth-place finish and a Champions League group-stage exit last season.
However, he saved his job with a 2-1 win over Manchester City in May’s FA Cup final, ending Man United’s eight-year wait for the iconic trophy.
New co-owners INEOS looked at potential managerial options, but they ultimately decided to keep faith with Ten Hag, extending his contract until the summer of 2026.
Rather than opting for a change of manager, Man United decided to alter Ten Hag’s backroom staff, appointing Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers to the 54-year-old.
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Man United line up Tuchel as Ten Hag replacement
The speculation over Ten Hag’s future seemed to subside, but he is already facing fresh scrutiny following a disappointing start to the season.
After losing to Man City on penalties in the Community Shield, the Red Devils required an 87th-minute winner to edge out Fulham in their league opener at Old Trafford.
They then conceded a late goal in a 2-1 away defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, before they slumped to a heavy 3-0 loss in Sunday’s home clash against rivals Liverpool.
Ten Hag is already under pressure to spark an upturn in fortunes when Man United return to action with an away game against Southampton after the international break.
With Ten Hag battling to retain his job, the Mirror are reporting the club’s hierarchy view Tuchel as their first-choice target should they decide to change their manager.
The report claims that Sir Jim Ratcliffe held talks with Tuchel in the summer before backing Ten Hag to continue in his post.
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Tuchel waiting for next opportunity
Tuchel is currently out of work after leaving German giants Bayern Munich following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
The 51-year-old failed to win a trophy in his only full season at the Allianz Arena, but he did help the club clinch the Bundesliga title in 2022-23.
Tuchel may have experienced an underwhelming time in Bavaria, but he has experienced significant success during his coaching career.
The experienced coach won the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund, six honours with Paris Saint-Germain and three trophies with Chelsea, including the 2020-21 Champions League.
In addition to Tuchel, another potential candidate is former England boss Gareth Southgate, who could be open to a return to club management for the first time since leaving Middlesbrough in 2009.