Man United close in on manager ‘the players will love’ – sources
Thomas Tuchel is the leading contender to be the next Manchester United manager as they look to replace Erik ten Hag, sources have told Football Insider.
The German manager will be available for free this summer, with no compensation payment required, after it was announced he will be leaving Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich at the end of this season.
The 50-year-old has Premier League experience under his belt following his time at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2021.
O’Rourke believes United’s growing interest in Tuchel is a “huge” development in recent days.
He would instantly command the respect of the Red Devils players, many of whom would love to play for him, and could be the “perfect fit” to take the club forward as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to stamp his authority on matters at Old Trafford.
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Football Insider revealed on 26 April that Ten Hag is under “massive pressure” and Man United chiefs are doing their due diligence behind the scenes over who could be their next manager.
Thomas Tuchel could replace Erik ten Hag as Man United manager
There are plenty of reasons why Tuchel could be the ideal man to replace Ten Hag after he’s held several high-pressure jobs in recent years.
Although Bayern have endured a difficult season on his watch, they have still made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
After the German side played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg with Real Madrid, Tuchel still has a chance of claiming European football’s biggest prize for a second time in the coming weeks.
O’Rourke revealed Man United could have limited funds available to strengthen their squad this summer, meaning the German could also be a cost-effective option.
Although a decision is yet to be announced on Ten Hag’s future, it’s increasingly likely he will be heading out the door at Old Trafford once the season comes to an end.
It looks like Erik ten Hag will be at the helm of Manchester United next season at the moment, but a lot will boil down to the last remaining games of the season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos mob have a big decision to make come the end of the 23/24 campaign, do they stick or twist with the Manchester United manager?
It’s a decision that definitely divides opinion – with Erik ten Hag certainly not having a fine season as Red Devils boss.
But, with slim pickings on the market – it’s now looking ever the more likely that the Dutch manager will take the reigns under Ratcliffe and co.
Erik ten Hag Manager/Head Coach of Manchester United with Harry Maguire during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at…
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Manager’s scarce for Manchester United…
With a plethora of sides in the market for a man at the helm next season, there are really not many managers available to come in at Old Trafford. Although, the Red Devils have already been linked to a few.
The likes of Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Roberto de Zerbi, Graham Potter and a few more have been floated about, but even these managers don’t know their situations next season either.
It appears Potter is Ajax-bound, de Zerbi is looking to stay at the Seagulls and Southgate has the Euros to worry about.
The most likely option does look like Tuchel, but there is no saying he will even leave Bayern, particularly if he is victorious in the Champions League.
One manager not really spoken about has just made big waves in English football and does have previous connections at Carrington/
Kieran McKenna is Premier League-bound
After Ipswich Town defeated Huddersfield in the Championship on Saturday, former Red Devils coaching staff member Kieran McKenna is now Premier League bound.
He’s done a simply unbelievable job at Portman Road. He’s obtained back-to-back promotions to reach the promised land of England’s top flight.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire took to Instagram to congratulate him on this. He posted the following image to his story.
Naturally, McKenna’s success has earned him numerous admirers and he has been linked with a number of big jobs over recent months, West Ham and Brighton among them.
But could he be a potential candidate for Manchester United in the future? Never say never. Former United star and previous Denzil Haround Award winner Demitri Mitchell actually has tipped McKenna to ‘manage Manchester United soon’.
Kieran McKenna pledges future to Ipswich
Despite interest from other clubs, it’s The Tractor Boys McKenna is excited to embark on a Premier League managerial journey with.
“I love it here,” he told Sky Sports on Saturday. “I’m so proud to be the manager of this football club, I’ve given so much of myself, and I’m just so focused on enjoying that journey. The speculation has been there for the last two years, to be honest, and I’ve shown loyalty to the club. I’m pleased I’ve stuck with it. There’s some big and exciting steps to come.”
He then expressed his surprise at securing consecutive promotions to the Premier League.
“It’s come before anyone could have expected,” he said. “It’s a massive step up, no doubt about it. A humongous step up in every single department. It’s a massive challenge to be competitive in the Premier League. But these are things to think about next week.”
We welcome McKenna to the Premier League and wish him all the best for next season – just don’t take any points off Manchester United, please.
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