Thomas Tuchel's name was reportedly hot on the lips of Manchester United's co-owners INEOS in their meeting on Tuesday in London. The Red Devils hierachy discussed the future of Erik ten Hag who is under increasing pressure amid his side's concerning start to the season.
The Independent's Miguel Delaney reports that Tuchel was spoken of as the most likely new manager if Ten Hag were to be sacked. The German coach is available after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.
Manchester United have yet to clarify whether Ten Hag will remain as United's head coach or the outcome of their meeting. He signed a new one-year contract extension in the summer but his side have made the worst start to a Premier League campaign in the club's history.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe asked the higher-ups to make a thorough analysis over Ten Hag and potential scenarios for his future. There were differing opinions on the situation but the debate over what comes next should the Dutch coach be relieved of his duties was the predominant argument.
Manchester United met with Thomas Tuchel in the summer
Manchester United's co-owners met with Tuchel when they conducted a review over Ten Hag's future in the summer. The Red Devils manager even confirmed the club had spoken to the German tactican once he was handed a contract extension.
The I reports that talks with the former Chelsea boss are set to continue if Ten Hag is sacked. The initial negotiations with the 2021 UEFA Champions League-winning coach went as far as finances.
However, those talks broke down over how much influence Tuchel would have at Old Trafford and the financial package to seal his arrival. He left Bayern after the Bavarians surrendered the Bundesliga title for the first time in 12 years.
🗣 "It seems like Bruno Fernandes plays like a false nine. We didn't spend too much time in wasting energy and guessing stuff we don't know."
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 28, 2021
Thomas Tuchel says the Man United team have changed but he didn't prepare for an unpredictable starting eleven pic.twitter.com/JA2Z1aj0B2
Red Devil Armada Verdict
If Ten Hag is sacked then Tuchel is a worthy replacement with a winning resume befitting a Manchester United manager. He loved his time in England with Chelsea where he guided the Blues to Champions League glory within five months of his arrival.
Tuchel is a bold character who isn't afraid to say how he feels and that's perhaps the one concern when it comes to working within INEOS' structure. There have been question marks over his use of youth but he got the best out of a young Mason Mount and others at Stamford Bridge.
The German oversaw 63 wins in 100 games at Chelsea, including a 1-0 win against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Champions League final. He perhaps failed at Bayern but did win the Bundesliga title with a record of 37 wins in 61 games.
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