Romano confirms Man Utd's Ten Hag replacement

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Oct 2024 17:41 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Thomas Tuchel is a candidate to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

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The Dutchman is facing the sack after five consecutive winless games, which has included two draws and one loss in the Premier League to see Man Utd slump to their worst-ever start in the competition.

After finishing in a record-low eighth last season, Man Utd currently languish in 14th after the weekend's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa and there appears to be a consensus in the media that Ten Hag's days are numbered.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to meet with the rest of the club's bosses on Tuesday to discuss the 54-year-old's future and the signs for Ten Hag are anything but positive.

Speculation surrounding possible replacements has abounded in recent weeks, with names such as Max Allegri, Simone Inzaghi and Thomas Tuchel bandied about.

Romano confirms Tuchel interest

Now, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has broken his silence on the matter. The Italian has echoed reports from his home country that have rubbished links to Inter boss Inzaghi, though he did confirm that INEOS are big fans of ex-Bayern manager Tuchel.

However, contrary to some reports that have claimed Man Utd are already 'lining up' the German, Romano insists that no talks with potential Ten Hag replacements have as yet taken place.

"When Man Utd considered the position of Ten Hag, they were in the process to decide whether they wanted to confirm Ten Hag or fire him last summer after winning the FA Cup. What happened is that internally at Man Utd, they had a meeting with Thomas Tuchel and also with his agent representing him," Romano said on YouTube.

"So there was a meeting, then they decided not to proceed on both sides. On Tuchel's side, he wanted to relax a bit after Bayern, to take some energy and then return in the next months. And also Man Utd decided to confirm Ten Hag as the manager. But that meeting is showing to you once again that the appreciation of INEOS, of the management team and of Manchester United in general for Thomas Tuchel remains.

"So for sure, Tuchel is a candidate...but at the moment, still Man Utd [are] discussing internally and still not making contact with any other coach so far. because they still keep respecting and waiting with Ten Hag."