Man Utd face race against time to appoint Ten Hag replacement

Cameron Smith

• 15 Oct 2024 17:30 BST
• 3 min read

Thomas Tuchel is in active talks to become the next England manager, with Manchester United set to miss out on the former Chelsea boss.

Tuchel, 51, has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, but he is close to being appointed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent replacement as England head coach.

Southgate resigned following the Three Lions’ defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final and U21 boss Lee Carsley was subsequently placed in interim charge.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel in 'pole position' to become next England manager

However, Carsley’s chances of landing the job on a full-time basis were dealt a crushing blow following England’s shock 2-1 Nations League loss against Greece last week.

Carsley opted for a bold team selection at Wembley and his gamble backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis netted a brace to seal Greece’s first ever win over the Three Lions.

Tuchel is now the clear favourite to become the next permanent England manager and the Football Association are currently in advanced negotiations with the ex-Chelsea boss.

The German is reportedly interested in the role and despite links with a move for Pep Guardiola, Tuchel is now the most likely candidate to take over the England men’s national team.

READ MORE: Tuchel links 'pressure Man Utd' to sack Ten Hag

A hammer blow for Man Utd

News that Tuchel is in advanced talks with England will come as a crushing blow for Man Utd.

The Red Devils are also interested in hiring the 51-year-old, but they have kept faith with Erik ten Hag, despite their worst ever start to a Premier League season.

Ten Hag has reportedly been given two games to save his job at Old Trafford, however Tuchel may well be off the market by the time Man Utd finally decide that a managerial change is needed.

As a result, the Red Devils must act quickly if they want Tuchel, otherwise they risk losing out to England.