The latest news swirling in the Manchester United grapevine is that after Thomas Tuchel ruled himself out of the running the club are unlikely to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager if Erik ten Hag departs, according to reports.
The report emerged over the weekend that former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel had met with INEOS chiefs and the big man Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself. However, as per the usually reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, former Bayern Munich boss Tuchel is now out of the running as he is set to take a break from management.
Ten Hag’s future had been shaky for some time, which gave rise to speculation that Tuchel was one of the main options to replace the Dutchman after Tuchel’s tenure at Bayern was confirmed as ending back in February. Subsequently the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate also emerged as other options with recently-departed Stamford Bridge boss Mauricio Pochettino added to that list.
Just a few days following the end of the 2023/24 campaign, the Blues confirmed Pochettino’s departure and very quickly his name became associated with United however he does not look set to take charge. According to the Telegraph, the former Tottenham boss is unlikely to be appointed if Ten Hag does eventually depart.
While final decision on the Dutchman’s future is expected soon, United in the meantime have continued to be linked with players’ movement ahead of the summer transfer window opening in under one week.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Benfica starlet Joao Neves and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig are three key names of interest to the top brass at Old Trafford. Neves and Sesko will be busy for the next few weeks at the European championships, while the omission of Branthwaite from the England squad augurs well for United with the likelihood of imminent talks over a potential move.
Another priority would be the sanctioning of exits with Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek among the returning loanees expected to depart permanently. Casemiro, Victor Lindelof and even Marcus Rashford could also follow in the path of Raphael Varane as marquee senior players likely to be moved on.