Manchester United is reportedly in a phase of internal deliberation over the future of their current manager, Erik ten Hag, following a difficult start to the season. While there is no official contact with any potential replacements, the name of former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has emerged as a possibility, as he was previously considered to replace Ten Hag during the summer. Tuchel, who has been without a managerial role since his departure from Bayern Munich, has not ruled out a return to the Premier League, expressing his fondness for his time at Chelsea.
At present, United is grappling with a poor start to the season, having won just three of their first 11 games. Their position in the league standings is precarious, with the team sitting 14th after seven matches. With only five goals scored, United’s attacking form is under serious scrutiny, especially given that only Southampton, positioned 19th, have scored fewer. The goalless draw against Aston Villa in their most recent game extended their winless streak in the league, with previous disappointing results including a 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace and a 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils find themselves seven points behind the Champions League qualification spots, and missing out on European competition for two consecutive seasons would be unprecedented for the club.
Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is under review, and internal discussions are ongoing about whether he should continue as the club’s manager. According to recent insights, while there is no current approach for Tuchel, his name is reportedly one of the few being considered in case of a managerial change. Tuchel is a highly regarded coach with Premier League experience, having led Chelsea to multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel also took Chelsea to the finals of both the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Despite this uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag, Manchester United’s board has not made any official approaches to alternative coaches. This signals that they are still weighing the pros and cons of making a managerial change. Tuchel, however, remains available and is a coach with an impressive track record, making him a viable candidate if a decision is made to part ways with Ten Hag.
One potential complication with Tuchel’s appointment is the timing of his availability. Although he has expressed a willingness to return to England, the exact terms of any deal with Manchester United would depend on various factors, including compensation for Ten Hag’s departure and whether Tuchel is interested in taking up the reins mid-season. Currently, there is no clear indication that a formal offer is imminent, and United’s leadership continues to assess the situation internally.
Another name that has been mentioned in the discussions about potential replacements is Roberto de Zerbi, the Italian coach currently in charge at Olympique Marseille. However, it appears that De Zerbi is focused on his current project in France, ruling him out of contention for the United job at the moment. That said, the fact that his name was considered during the summer reflects Manchester United’s preparedness to look at alternatives should they need to move swiftly in finding a new manager.
The question of who might temporarily step into the role if Ten Hag is dismissed has also been raised. Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Manchester United legend and current assistant manager, has been suggested as the top candidate to take over as caretaker manager. Van Nistelrooy joined Ten Hag’s backroom staff earlier this season and could be a suitable option to manage the team on an interim basis while the club searches for a permanent successor.
However, it is still unclear how seriously the Manchester United board is considering a managerial change. There are significant financial implications to parting ways with Erik ten Hag at this stage, with reports indicating that it could cost the club approximately £15 million in compensation to release him from his contract. This financial burden could delay any decision, especially if the board believes there is still time for Ten Hag to turn the team’s fortunes around.
In terms of recent results, Manchester United’s struggles have been apparent not just in the league but also in European competition. Their lack of goal-scoring prowess has put immense pressure on the defensive side of their game, and the team has looked disjointed in recent weeks. Ten Hag, who was appointed to rejuvenate the club and bring them back to their former glory, has seen his tactics and team selections questioned as United’s performances continue to fall below expectations.
The disappointing results are particularly glaring given the high expectations that accompanied Ten Hag’s appointment. His success at Ajax, where he led the Dutch club to domestic titles and deep runs in European competitions, made him a coveted managerial target. But replicating that success at Old Trafford has proven to be a difficult task, and his inability to get the best out of some of the club’s key players has only compounded the issues facing the team.
There have been criticisms of Ten Hag’s tactical setup, with some pundits suggesting that his preferred style of play does not suit the current squad. Others have pointed to the lack of squad depth and the club’s failure to strengthen key areas during the transfer window as contributing factors to their struggles. Injuries to key players have also played a part in their underperformance, but ultimately, the manager is the one who bears the brunt of the blame when results go awry.
As the international break looms, it provides a moment for reflection and potential action. Manchester United’s hierarchy will need to make a decision on whether they believe Ten Hag is the right man to steer the team back on course or if they should take decisive action and bring in a new manager to try and salvage the season.
Should they choose to pursue Thomas Tuchel, it would be a bold move, but one that could potentially pay off given his track record in the Premier League. Tuchel has demonstrated his ability to win major trophies and instill a winning mentality in his teams. He also has experience managing high-profile clubs and dealing with the pressures that come with such positions. However, the timing and financial implications of such a decision could prove challenging for the Manchester United board, especially if they are reluctant to part ways with Ten Hag so early in the season.
Ultimately, the fate of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United remains undecided, but the next few weeks could be crucial in determining whether he stays or goes. If results do not improve, the club may be forced to take action, and Tuchel’s availability makes him a compelling option. Whether or not Tuchel ends up at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s leadership will need to ensure that any decision they make is in the best long-term interests of the club, as they seek to restore their status as one of Europe’s elite teams.
