Tuchel 'frontrunner' to replace Ten Hag as Man Utd manager

Suraj Radia

Updated: 23 May 2024 15:44 BST
3 min read

Manchester United are tightening their shortlist of potential successors to Erik ten Hag if the Dutchman is to leave the club, with Thomas Tuchel reportedly emerging as the favourite for the role.

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Ten Hag’s position as manager will be assessed after United’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City this weekend, with a victory the only way the Red Devils can still achieve European football next season.

While United have stressed that a decision has not yet been made over Ten Hag’s future, a number of replacements have been considered such as England boss Gareth Southgate, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank of Brentford and Mauricio Pochettino following his sacking from Chelsea this week.

However, The Guardian report that Tuchel has become the frontrunner for the job due to his profile as an ‘accomplished tactician’ and his experience of working at major clubs, having left Bayern Munich last week.

There is said to be ‘confidence’ at United that Tuchel has the temperament to handle seasoned players as well as an admiration for the German’s CV, having led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021.

The decision over the managerial situation will be led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe along with his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford and club directors Jean Claude-Blanc and Jason Wilcox.

© IMAGO - Thomas Tuchel left Bayern Munich after a disappointing season.

Tuchel standing above rivals in race for United post

Tuchel is a free agent after leaving Bayern, which will further increase his chances of being considered for the United job, with the club set to operate under tight financial constraints this summer.

Bayern have had a disappointing domestic campaign, finishing third and missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 12 years, although the German side impressed in Europe, suffering a late loss in the Champions League semi-final to Real Madrid.

Tuchel would undoubtedly be the most proven candidate on United’s shortlist but there could be caution due to his falling out with the board at both Chelsea and Bayern.

Frank and McKenna are also both said to be on the shortlist for the Chelsea job, although Pochettino’s departure from Stamford Bridge could make the Argentine an intriguing prospect for United.

Southgate is also believed to be a target due to the relationship he has with Ratcliffe as well as Dan Ashworth, who will join United as a director once his arbitration with current club Newcastle is resolved.