Erik ten Hag is already under immense pressure just three games into the new season, following a crushing defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford before the international break.
Even in the narrow 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening night of the 2024/25 Premier League season, the performance was far from convincing.
Although Ten Hag managed to save his job thanks to Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, without that result his position would have been precarious.
Before making the decision to retain Ten Hag, United, under the guidance of INEOS and its new management team, scoured the market for potential replacements.
One option considered by the club’s directors was former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel. The 51-year-old was reportedly very close to taking over at Old Trafford but ultimately backed out.
?? | If Erik ten Hag is at some point sacked by #mufcThomas Tuchel should be the first on the list of replacements. [@MikeKeegan_DM] pic.twitter.com/UapE3wxMmS
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 16, 2024
German pundit Marcel Reif, speaking to Bild, explained how close Tuchel was to becoming the new Manchester United manager.
According to Reif, Tuchel was almost in agreement with the club before pulling out at the last moment.
Reif quoted Tuchel as saying: “I won’t do that! I won’t do that to myself again, go to a club and then things come from outside,” referring to the influences outside United that may have complicated his role.
