Could PSG boss Thomas Tuchel become the next Man Utd manager?

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel is the latest to be named as a potential successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.

Reports from Sport Bild state that the Red Devils are interested in Tuchel as a possible candidate to the Norwegian.

Although he led PSG to the Champions League final last season, his name being linked with United comes as something of a shock.

He is widely seen as clinging onto his job in France after struggling to negotiate the Champions League group stage – a task not yet fully accomplished.

Furthermore, he is not showing the man management ability required to take charge of such a super club.

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have a disproportionate influence in the PSG dressing room compared to the coach, who has had spats with both over his two-and-a-half years at Parc des Princes.

He does not have the gravitas of a figure like Zinedine Zidane. ‘Zizou’ may have his tactical limitations, but he has proven himself ideal for Real Madrid simply due to the strength of his character and the history of his career.

Those qualities are surely something that United must be seeking in their next boss.

Perhaps more importantly, Tuchel is already in a role. It is one that he is unlikely to leave until next summer. PSG’s finances mean that they do not want to sack him unless there is a major upset against Istanbul Basaksehir next week as they seek to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Tuchel’s PSG record

Even if things go south rapidly in the knockout stages, it is improbable that PSG sack their coach unless there is a massive implosion in Ligue 1.

If he is indeed on United’s radar, it is not for a mid-season change.

Indeed, Tuchel is likely to be some way down the pecking order for the Red Devils, who will have a significant number of options in mind.

Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri must stand at the forefront of this shortlist. Both are successful and both are presently out of work. Cheap and proven quality – what more could United want?

READ MORE:

• Ancelotti has his say on Ronaldo’s potential return to Real Madrid

However, the market for coaches could change rapidly. If Madrid sack Zidane, for instance, and move to appoint Pochettino, it would have a dramatic influence on the route United have to take.

It would be remiss of them not to have numerous options lined up as a result.

Given that Tuchel led his side to the Champions League final in August, it is logical that he would appear on that list. That he is almost certain to be a free agent come the summer due to his poor relationship with sporting director Leonardo and his expiring contract must only make him more attractive.

It is truthful to say, then, that United have an interest in him without it being likely he will become their next manager.

Certainly, at this point in time, it would be a surprising move if Tuchel was to take charge at Old Trafford.