Erik ten Hag is clinging onto the Manchester United job as rumours continue to swirl over a potential managerial change at Old Trafford this summer.
This season has been one of major regression for United.
Ten Hag’s first season went well; he won a power struggle over Cristiano Ronaldo and guided United back into the Champions League.
Fans were hopeful of seeing United build on that but the campaign has gone in the completely opposite direction.
United have turned in poor performances throughout the season, often even during victories, and Monday night felt like a real low point.
United were hammered 4-0 at Crystal Palace and it’s no surprise that new manager rumours are ramping up in the aftermath of the Selhurst Park nightmare.
Thomas Tuchel ‘tempted’ by Manchester United job
So many names have been linked with the United job, especially since Ineos seized control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Ineos have already found a new CEO and technical director whilst a new sporting director – Dan Ashworth – is expected to arrive.
It therefore adds up that Ineos would at least strongly consider a managerial change too and one name keeps coming up right now.
Reports this week have suggested that Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is the top pick for Ineos.
The German is leaving Bayern this summer and Ineos are viewing him as the leading contender if Ten Hag is axed.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg now adds that Tuchel is ‘tempted’ to take the job at Old Trafford – again, if it even becomes available.
Plettenberg claims that Tuchel is attracted to the tradition and power of United, even if this has been another disappointing campaign.
There is just one problem here – Tuchel is also attracted to Chelsea.
Tuchel – hailed as a ‘special’ manager by ex-Mainz man Bo Svensson – was sacked by the Blues in 2022, less than 18 months after winning the Champions League.
Tuchel allegedly feels a sense of unfinished business at Chelsea and would be interested in a return to West London.
However, Chelsea are coming into form under Mauricio Pochettino and a managerial change this summer seems unlikely.
That may leave United as the most appealing option to Tuchel, who has been backed for the job by Peter Schmeichel.
Tuchel set to learn Champions League fate
Tuchel hasn’t been a roaring success at Bayern; their dominance of the Bundesliga has ended with Bayer Leverkusen winning the title this season.
That means Tuchel is leaving this summer but he does still have a chance to add to his legacy.
Tuchel takes his Bayern side into battle with Real Madrid on Wednesday night as a spot in the Champions League final is up for grabs.
The tie is finely-poised at 2-2 from the first leg and Tuchel could now reach a third Champions League final in the last five seasons.
Tuchel guided Paris Saint-Germain into the 2020 final and then repeated the trick with Chelsea in 2021.
After losing that first final, Tuchel won it with Chelsea and now has a chance to go to a third Champions League final with a third different side.
Ineos will be watching the Real v Bayern clash with real interest and it may well be Tuchel’s European pedigree which is making him so appealing.