If player swaps are uncommon, then the sight of two managers exchanging clubs is extremely rare. Yet, could Manchester United be at the centre of one over the coming weeks or months?
By our count, almost 20 head coaches of varying experience, styles and backgrounds have been linked with the Old Trafford post since that Ineos takeover, Erik ten Hag‘s job still uncertain even if reports suggesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are drawing up next season’s plans with the embattled Dutchman in mind.
One of the names mentioned is that of Thomas Tuchel. HITC’s Graeme Bailey reported this week that the German has been pushed to Manchester United via intermediaries.
It is no secret that Tuchel – sacked by Chelsea in 2022 despite winning the Champions League at a club who have plummeted since his departure – feels he has unfinished business in England. Tuchel has also spoken glowingly about Man United, and in particular Marcus Rashford, in the past.
Tuchel was confirmed to be leaving Bayern Munich in the summer. Interestingly, he did open the door for a Xavi-like U-turn on Friday, even if a departure still feels the most likely scenario.
Could Manchester United and Bayern Munich swap managers?
Reports coming out of Germany on Friday, meanwhile, suggest that – if Tuchel does indeed find himself warming the Old Trafford hotseat come the summer – the man who takes his own place in the Bayern dugout could be none other than Ten Hag himself.
“New Name on the Bayern list,” BILD’s Christian Falk writes on X. “Erik ten Hag is also being discussed at FC Bayern
“Thomas Tuchel is still interested in the Job at Manchester United. Tuchel doesn‘t want contact with United before the Match against Real Madrid (next week).”
Ten Hag, of course, has a history in Bavaria. He cut his teeth in charge of Bayern Munich’s second-team between 2013 and 2015, before making his name in the Eredivisie with FC Utrecht and then Ajax.
His reputation, while having suffered substantially in England, is likely to remain relatively unscathed in mainland Europe.
Some may feel that Ten Hag should not be judged by his time at a Manchester United outfit who have eaten up and spat out the iconic Jose Mourinho, as well as a former Allianz Arena hero in Louis van Gaal.
Especially amid the uncertainty surrounding United’s ownership and an unprecedented injury crisis.
In Germany, Ten Hag could at least link up with Harry Kane, who he today confirmed he wanted to sign last summer.
Ralf Rangnick rejects Bayern Munich job
Bayern, who are just 90 minutes away from a Champions League final but have disappointed massively domestically, ran aground in their pursuit of Ten Hag’s United predecessor Ralf Rangnick this week.
Rangnick, something of a legend in German football following spells at Schalke, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, confirmed that he will stay in charge of the Austrian national team with his contract expiring in 2026.
“I’m the Austrian team coach with all my heart,” Rangnick said in a statement, committing his future to the Austrian national side with his contract running until 2026.
“I really enjoy this task and am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path. I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of Bayern, but rather a decision for my team and our common goals.
“Our full concentration is on the Euros. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible.”
Bayern, their decade of domestic dominance broken by Bayer Leverkusen, are also keen on Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi; another man with admirers at Ineos (The Telegraph).
