Thomas Tuchel ‘will be targeting’ Erik ten Hag’s job as the manager of Premier League giants Manchester United after it was confirmed he will be leaving Bayern Munich in the summer.
That is according to Stan Collymore, the former England international giving his two pence after Sir Jim Ratcliffe – Manchester United’s new co-owner and chief decision maker – gave a rather non-committal response when asked about Erik ten Hag’s future in midweek.
It is no secret that Ineos are admirers of the straight-talking Dutchman. But, amid rumours suggesting Ratcliffe has talked to Graham Potter, the phrase ‘no smoke without fire’ comes to mind.
And while Ratcliffe did show some sympathy for the almost un-manageable hand Ten Hag has been dealt at Old Trafford in those wide-ranging midweek interviews, he was also reluctant to confirm whether the former Ajax boss would still be at the helm next term, results taking a turn for the worse in his second season in charge.
Thomas Tuchel is leaving Bayern Munich
With a manager of Tuchel’s allure and experience on the market again – Bayern Munich confirmed a few days ago that the German will be leaving one year ahead of schedule – a one-time Premier League centre-forward feels Ten Hag’s job may be under threat from a man who guided Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021.
“The 50-year-old liked his experience at Chelsea so it’s no surprise that he reportedly wants to return to the Premier League,” Collymore tells Caught Offside.
“Ever since then, he has talked about the Premier League positively. And it is clear that he would love to return someday. People may be asking ‘where can he go?’.
“And there is no doubt in my mind, that he will be targeting the manager’s role at Manchester United.”
The prospect of Tuchel taking over is likely to divide United fans. While Tuchel did guide a very average Chelsea side to European glory after his Dortmund side ran Bayern close in the Bundesliga and after a pair of Ligue 1 titles at Paris Saint-Germain, there remains a feeling in some quarters that Tuchel’s actual ability as a manager is not quite as ‘elite’ as his CV may suggest.
Champions League winner in 2021
“Listening to Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently talking big about the future of Man United, I think there is a 50/50 chance that Erik ten Hag may not be the long-term solution for the Manchester club,” Collymore adds.
“If you are looking around and thinking ‘who could replace him?’, (Brighton’s) Roberto De Zerbi would not be hard to get. But, with Tuchel being available, that could be the path they go down.
“Man City is not going to be available anytime soon. And neither is Arsenal. Liverpool will be. An emotional return to Chelsea may be on the cards in the future if (Mauricio) Pochettino is let go. But the one that is the most viable for Tuchel is United.
“Nevertheless, if any of these big jobs in England become available, Tuchel will certainly be a frontrunner.”
Manchester United face Fulham today. But they will do so without top scorer Rasmus Hojlund.
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