Thomas Tuchel Shakes Things Up at Manchester United with Bold First Move: Three Players Pulled from International Duty for Intense Training
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, newly appointed Manchester United manager Thomas Tuchel has wasted no time in making his presence felt at Old Trafford. Just days into his reign as the Red Devils’ boss, Tuchel has already made a controversial decision that has left fans, pundits, and players buzzing. The German tactician has reportedly ordered three key Manchester United players to withdraw from international duty to focus solely on intense team training!
Tuchel, known for his demanding approach and tactical brilliance, has come into Manchester United with a clear vision. After a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season under Erik ten Hag, Tuchel understands the urgent need to transform the club’s fortunes. His first statement as manager set the tone for what fans can expect from the new era: “You have to give everything for the club, or you don’t belong here!”
This no-nonsense approach has already created a stir within the club, as the players face a tough decision: commit fully to Tuchel’s plan or risk falling out of favor with the new boss. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and midfield maestro, is rumored to be one of the three players Tuchel has asked to stay behind. Fernandes has been a pivotal figure for United in recent seasons, but the demanding schedule of international duty has often left him fatigued during crucial club matches. Tuchel sees this as an opportunity to refresh Fernandes and ensure he’s at peak performance for the season’s most critical games.
Joining Fernandes in Tuchel’s first major move are two other key players—Marcus Rashford and Raphaël Varane. Rashford, one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking talents, has been dealing with inconsistent form this season, and Tuchel is keen to get him back to his best through specialized training. Meanwhile, Varane’s fitness has been a concern for the club, and Tuchel believes intense, focused training sessions will help bolster his readiness for the demanding season ahead.
This decision, while bold, has drawn mixed reactions from fans and the football community. Some have praised Tuchel for his decisive leadership, believing that his approach will help Manchester United return to its glory days. Others, however, see this as a risky gamble, particularly with the potential backlash from national teams and the players themselves. For players like Fernandes and Rashford, representing their country is a deep source of pride, and withdrawing from international duty could create friction between them and their new manager.
Tuchel, however, is laser-focused on one goal: getting Manchester United back to the top. Having experienced success with Chelsea, where he led them to a Champions League triumph, Tuchel knows that building a strong, cohesive squad is essential. His decision to keep key players out of international matches underscores his commitment to molding the team into a dominant force in the Premier League and Europe.
As the squad prepares for Tuchel’s intense training sessions, it’s clear that no one is safe from his high standards. Whether this controversial move will pay off or alienate some of United’s biggest stars remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: Thomas Tuchel is not afraid to make the tough decisions. His era at Manchester United is already shaping up to be a dramatic one, and fans are eagerly watching to see if his hardline approach will bring the success they’ve been craving.
Only time will tell if pulling players from international duty will lead to the transformation Tuchel envisions, but his message is clear: the club comes first, and only those who are fully committed will thrive under
his leadership.