Negotiations ongoing: Sky journo drops big update on Tuchel talks; will intrigue Man Utd fans

Erik ten Hag will no doubt be counting his lucky stars that INEOS’ priority candidate to potentially succeed him at Old Trafford, Thomas Tuchel, is now in talks to become the new England manager, as confirmed by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

It’s a blockbuster breakthrough which is certain to divide Three Lions supporters while also disappointing the large majority of the Manchester United faithful who’d hoped to see the German take the reins this season.

Over the summer, Tuchel held talks with club executives over the prospect of him taking to the Theatre of Dreams dugout for the 2024/2025 campaign. However, an agreement failed to materialise due to divided opinions regarding the power he would hold, as well as the financial package he’d receive.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his entourage also reportedly met with Mauricio Pochettino, who’s since taken over the United States national team, Thomas Frank and Sebastian Hoeness, though nothing came to fruition; the latter of the trio also opted to rebuff United’s advances in favour of staying put at VfB Stuttgart.

INEOS are likely ruing decision to bypass Tuchel and stick with Ten Hag

Ten Hag’s surprise FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May gave him enough credit in the bank to continue into the third year of his Red Devils tenure, subsequently being rewarded with a two-year contract extension.

However, the Dutchman has since overseen United’s worst-ever Premier League start on record, claiming only eight points from the 21 available after the opening seven matches. As a result, he’s again said to be on the brink of being axed, with some sources claiming his sacking is ‘inevitable’.

With Tuchel, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, one of only a few proven managers available, it remains to be seen where Ratcliffe will turn if Ten Hag is relieved of his duties in the near future. Ex-PSV boss and club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy could well adopt the role on an interim basis, but a permanent candidate must be sought – and quickly.