Following discussions with the Football Association (FA), it appears Thomas Tuchel may soon be ruled out as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United if the Dutchman is dismissed. Tuchel is rumored to be a candidate for the England manager’s position, making him unavailable for a move to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may have other high-profile candidates in mind for Ten Hag’s replacement, especially as pressure mounts on the current manager. United’s recent performance has been disappointing, with just seven wins from their last 30 matches across the Premier League and European competitions. Despite a six-hour meeting with key figures, including Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer, Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain, with ongoing scrutiny surrounding his performance.
Many believe Tuchel could be an ideal choice to lead United out of their struggles, especially after having met with Ratcliffe in Monaco following his exit from Bayern Munich. However, negotiations did not advance, and it seems Ratcliffe may be hesitant to pursue Tuchel after investing £1.3 billion in the club for a 28% stake earlier this year.
Additionally, reports from Foot Mercato indicate that Ratcliffe is considering Zinedine Zidane as a potential candidate to restore United’s former glory. Zidane’s previous success at Real Madrid, where he won two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League titles, makes him a strong contender. His connection to United is also bolstered by Jean-Claude Blanc, who previously sought Zidane’s services while at Paris Saint-Germain.
Zidane has been waiting for the right managerial opportunity since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021 and is reportedly eyeing the France national team job. However, current France manager Didier Deschamps is determined to remain in charge through the 2026 World Cup, complicating Zidane’s prospects.
Should Zidane become available, Ratcliffe may be eager to pursue him, especially if Tuchel is no longer an option. While the managerial situation at Manchester United remains fluid, the club is currently focused on supporting Ten Hag, hoping for an immediate turnaround after the October break. If performance does not improve, Ten Hag’s position could be at risk before the November international break.
As United faces these challenges, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the club’s golden era, particularly the historic treble win 25 years ago. A special edition gift from the Manchester Evening News commemorates that achievement, revisiting the players, unforgettable matches, and dramatic comebacks that defined that remarkable period.
