Thomas Tuchel was heavily linked with the Manchester United job after Ruben Amorim was sacked at Old Trafford.
During Michael Carrick’s interim spell as Manchester United head coach, Ineos made sure to monitor and assess all other managerial options.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted Thomas Tuchel, and the German manager was also a favourite among several pundits. Gary Neville wanted Tuchel at Old Trafford, as did Paul Scholes.
But Tuchel took the England job instead, and he has now led the Three Lions to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with a monumental 3-2 win over Mexico.
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Why Thomas Tuchel isn’t right for Manchester United
There is no denying that Thomas Tuchel produced a managerial masterclass to help England beat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. It was one of England’s finest performances as a nation.
But that doesn’t mean Tuchel was or is the right fit for Manchester United.
Firstly, I view Tuchel as an elite knockout manager, and his CV proves it. A Champions League trophy against the odds for Chelsea, as well as the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
At PSG, Tuchel reached the Champions League final. In a knockout format, he is one of the best around.
But United’s plan to win the Premier League demands consistency and steady growth, and that is where my second concern around Tuchel emerges.
The style of football prioritises pragmatism over patterns of play. Shutting out the opposition rather than dominating matches, and that simply wouldn’t run at Old Trafford, just ask Jose Mourinho.
Thirdly, Tuchel’s behaviour towards Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire this summer should be a red flag in itself.
Mainoo has been starved of minutes at the World Cup, even put behind Jordan Henderson in the pecking order. Overlooking Mainoo was the final nail for Ruben Amorim, and United fans wouldn’t tolerate it from Tuchel either.
Tuchel also doesn’t seem to rate Maguire or Luke Shaw, with both defenders left at home for the World Cup despite their very strong seasons with United.
Bringing Tuchel in this summer would have likely led to a big fracture in the squad given he is not the biggest admirer of several key players. His style of play would have also not been to the strength of club captain Bruno Fernandes.
For those three reasons, I’m glad Tuchel is with England and not in charge of United.
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Manchester United were right to hire Michael Carrick
Carrick’s record in 2025/26 speaks for itself – no Premier League manager earned more points than him after his return to Old Trafford.
Ineos were left with no option but to continue with Carrick given his incredible start.
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Pivoting to a different manager would have sent the wrong message, and if it had gone wrong, fans would immediately be left scratching their head wondering why Carrick was let go.
Carrick understands the United DNA. Cheesy? Sure. But also it’s true. His understanding of the club culture and ethos is essential, and players have bought into that.
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