If Thomas Tuchel agrees to become the next England manager after rumored discussions with the Football Association (FA), it could affect his availability to take over at Manchester United, should Erik ten Hag be dismissed.
This development would likely delay any opportunity for Tuchel to step into the role at Old Trafford, despite ongoing speculation about his potential appointment.
Although Erik ten Hag recently survived a tense six-hour meeting in London with key figures at Manchester United, including Joel Glazer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Sir Dave Brailsford, his position remains far from secure.
This meeting followed a series of underwhelming results, with United securing just seven wins in their last 30 Premier League and European matches. Despite being given more time to turn things around, Ten Hag’s future at the club is still under scrutiny, and if results don’t improve quickly, the club may be forced to make a managerial change.
Tuchel, who parted ways with Bayern Munich earlier this year, is considered one of the top candidates to replace Ten Hag if United chooses to go in a new direction.
He has a strong managerial record, having previously led Chelsea to Champions League glory and worked successfully at Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. Tuchel also reportedly met with Ratcliffe in Monaco for talks about the United job, but those discussions did not lead to an agreement.
However, even if Tuchel declines the England role or is unavailable, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who recently invested £1.3 billion into Manchester United, appear to have another top candidate in mind—Zinedine Zidane.
According to earlier reports from Foot Mercato, Ratcliffe has expressed a desire to bring the French football legend to Old Trafford.
Zidane, widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world, has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
His managerial record is outstanding, having won two La Liga titles and three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during his time with Madrid.
Zidane is reportedly waiting for the right opportunity, with speculation that he hopes to succeed Didier Deschamps as the manager of the French national team.
However, with Deschamps likely to remain in charge of France through the 2026 World Cup, Zidane could potentially be tempted by an offer from Manchester United, especially given the club’s need for a new direction.
If Tuchel is unavailable to replace Ten Hag and Zidane becomes an option, Ratcliffe and INEOS could pursue the French manager for the top job at Old Trafford. Zidane’s international appeal, tactical expertise, and trophy-laden career make him an attractive candidate for United, should Ten Hag’s tenure come to an end.
For now, Manchester United’s priority remains supporting Ten Hag and giving him the chance to turn things around after the October break. However, if results don’t improve and the team continues to struggle,
Ten Hag’s position may not be secure beyond the November international break. Both Tuchel and Zidane represent potential future managers for United, but much will depend on how Ten Hag navigates the upcoming fixtures and whether the club’s leadership decides it’s time for a change.
