If Thomas Tuchel accepts the position of England manager following reported discussions with the Football Association (FA), it could impact his availability for potentially taking over at Manchester United in the event of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
This scenario would likely delay any possibility of Tuchel assuming the role at Old Trafford, despite ongoing speculation about his potential appointment.
Erik ten Hag recently underwent a lengthy six-hour meeting in London with key figures at Manchester United, including Joel Glazer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Sir Dave Brailsford, amid concerns over the team’s recent performance.
United’s disappointing results, including just seven wins in their last 30 Premier League and European matches, have placed ten Hag’s position under scrutiny.
While he has been given additional time to improve results, his future at the club remains uncertain, and a managerial change may be considered if performances do not improve quickly.
Tuchel, who recently left Bayern Munich, is viewed as a leading candidate to replace ten Hag should Manchester United opt for a new direction.
He boasts an impressive managerial resume, having guided Chelsea to Champions League success and achieving success at Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
Despite reportedly meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco regarding the United position, Tuchel’s discussions did not result in an agreement.
Even if Tuchel is unavailable or declines the England role, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have recently invested significantly in Manchester United, may turn their attention to another strong candidate—Zinedine Zidane.
According to previous reports from Foot Mercato, Ratcliffe has shown interest in bringing Zidane, the esteemed French football legend, to Old Trafford.
Zidane, renowned for his managerial achievements at Real Madrid, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, has been without a managerial position since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
Zidane is reportedly awaiting the right opportunity, with speculation suggesting he aims to succeed Didier Deschamps as the manager of the French national team.
However, with Deschamps likely to remain in charge through the 2026 World Cup, Zidane could be enticed by an offer from Manchester United, particularly given the club’s current need for a new direction.
Should Tuchel be unavailable and Zidane become a viable option, Ratcliffe and INEOS may pursue the French manager for the top position at Old Trafford.
Zidane’s international appeal, tactical acumen, and illustrious career make him an attractive candidate for United, should they decide to part ways with ten Hag.
At present, Manchester United’s focus remains on supporting ten Hag and providing him with the opportunity to reverse the team’s fortunes following the October international break.
However, if results do not improve and the team continues to struggle, ten Hag’s position beyond the November international break may be uncertain.
Both Tuchel and Zidane present potential future managerial options for Manchester United, but the outcome will hinge on ten Hag’s performance in upcoming fixtures and the club’s leadership’s decision regarding the need for change.
