After reportedly holding discussions with the Football Association (FA), it seems Thomas Tuchel may soon be off the table as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, should the Dutchman face the axe. Tuchel is rumored to be in the running for the England manager’s position, which would make him unavailable for a possible move to Old Trafford.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS could have another big name in mind to replace Ten Hag if the club decides to move on from him. The pressure on Ten Hag is mounting as United’s performances have been far from convincing. The Red Devils have managed just seven victories out of their last 30 matches in both the Premier League and European competitions. Despite enduring a six-hour meeting in London with the club’s top decision-makers, including Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer, and Sir Dave Brailsford, Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain. Although he survived that particular meeting, the ongoing scrutiny over his performance continues to cast a shadow over his tenure.
Many within the football world believe Tuchel would be the perfect candidate to lead Manchester United out of their current slump if the board opts for a managerial change. The German tactician has already been in contact with Ratcliffe, meeting the British billionaire in Monaco following his departure from Bayern Munich this past summer. However, negotiations did not progress further, and rumors began to surface that Ratcliffe was hesitant to pursue Tuchel after investing a staggering £1.3 billion in United in exchange for a 28% stake earlier this year.
Meanwhile, reports from Foot Mercato suggest that Ratcliffe has had his eyes on another high-profile figure to restore United to their former glory—Zinedine Zidane. There were rumors circulating that Ratcliffe and INEOS were interested in bringing the French footballing legend to M16 to replace Ten Hag. This potential move is further supported by the fact that Jean-Claude Blanc, who now serves on United’s board, had previously tried to secure Zidane’s services during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Zidane has been waiting patiently for the right managerial opportunity since stepping down from his position at Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. During his two stints with Los Blancos, Zidane achieved extraordinary success, leading the team to two La Liga titles and an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League triumphs between 2015 and 2018. Now at 52, Zidane is in no rush, reportedly eyeing the France national team job as his next move.
However, it seems Zidane may have to wait longer than expected. Current France manager Didier Deschamps, who guided the national team to World Cup victory in 2018, has shown no signs of stepping aside. In fact, reports from RMC suggest that Deschamps is determined to stay in charge through the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is also believed that Deschamps is not eager to pass the reins to Zidane, fearing that Zidane’s legacy could overshadow his own achievements with Les Bleus.
If Zidane does become available, Ratcliffe might be keen to capitalize on the opportunity, especially if Tuchel is no longer an option. The future of Manchester United’s managerial position remains uncertain, but for now, the club’s leadership is focused on supporting Ten Hag, hoping for an immediate turnaround in form after the October break. However, if results don’t improve soon, Ten Hag may not make it through to the international break in November.
As United continues to navigate these turbulent times, it’s hard not to reflect on the club’s golden era. Twenty-five years ago, Manchester United became the first English team to win the historic treble. A special edition gift from Manchester Evening News celebrates that monumental achievement, taking a nostalgic look back at the players, unforgettable matches, and the dramatic comebacks that defined that remar
kable season.