Former Bayern manager to replace Erik ten Hag, already met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - report
Manchester United are planning a big change after a horrible start to the season.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are lining up Thomas Tuchel as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Tuchel met United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer to discuss the possibility of becoming the manager if they sack Ten Hag.
Ratcliffe recently had a golden opportunity to offer a vote of confidence to the Dutchman but chose a more cryptic path.
He said the decision over Ten Hag’s future is in the hands of United executives.
INEOS must be quick to clear the air
The new management team conducted a full review of Ten Hag before backing him in the summer.
They considered alternatives but decided to stick with the Dutchman. To show their trust, they extended his contract by 12 months.
United have had a terrible start to their campaign. They are 14th in the Premier League table after accumulating merely eight points in seven games.
Southampton are the only other team in the English top flight to score fewer goals than the Red Devils.
United have drawn their Europa League games against FC Twente and FC Porto.
The 3-3 draw against the latter was humiliating as United allowed them to come back into the game after taking an early 2-0 lead.
Tuchel is one of the established managers of this generation, having managed Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
He won the Champions League and Club World Cup with Chelsea. Tuchel has also won three league titles – twice with PSG and once with Bayern.
The United fanbase rallied behind Ten Hag in the summer, but the support has dwindled due to the absence of a clear playing style and disappointing results.
They could take a managerial change more positively than they would have in the summer.
INEOS must act swiftly, whether they decide to sack Ten Hag or grant him additional time to turn things around.
They cannot keep players and fans in doubt for another two weeks and then support Ten Hag.
The United executives are scheduled to meet in London tomorrow. Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer are reportedly part of that meeting.