Tuchel links 'pressure Man Utd' to sack Ten Hag

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 13 Oct 2024 12:48 BST
• 4 min read

Thomas Tuchel has been linked to the England job in a bid to 'pressure' Manchester United to sack Erik ten Hag, according to reports.

The German is out of work and considered to be one of the candidates to take over at Old Trafford if the former Ajax boss is sacked, however, he is also in discussions regarding the vacant England job, as per BILD reporter Christian Falk.

However, there is apparently an ulterior motive behind the recent briefings, per the Independent. Their chief football writer Miguel Delaney reports today that: "It’s thought that recent reports of talks between Thomas Tuchel and England are an attempt to put pressure on Manchester United, who have an interest if they do part ways with Erik ten Hag."

READ MORE: Winners and losers of Man Utd sacking Erik ten Hag

Tuchel was extensively linked to the role during the summer but United's FA Cup victory over Manchester City convinced Ineos to keep Ten Hag in his job and even offer him a one-year contract extension..

Last week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the United hierarchy held a meeting where Ten Hag’s future was the topic of discussion. It's suggested that he will be keeping his job for the foreseeable.

READ MORE: It's official! Man Utd suffer WORST EVER START in Premier League history

TEAMtalk, reported that Graham Potter is another name who is liked by Ineos. The former Brighton coach has been out of work since leaving his post at Chelsea.

Man Utd are currently 14th in the Premier League table, having picked up just eight points from their opening seven matches, and Southampton (four) are the only team with fewer league goals than the Red Devils (five) so far this campaign.

In addition, they are 21st in the Europa League standings after drawing both of their opening two games against FC Twente and Porto.

Gareth Southgate to Man Utd?

Gareth Southgate has also been linked with replacing Ten Hag at Man Utd, but the former England boss has ruled himself out of contention.

“I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that,” Southgate said at the European Club Association (ECA) General Assembly in Athens on Thursday.

“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.

“I am fortunate there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves.”