Top target Thomas Tuchel in 'advanced talks' for alternative role as timetable for Ten Hag sack emerges

Manchester United are at risk of losing their top managerial target Thomas Tuchel after multiple reports in Germany claimed the former Chelsea boss was in talks to become England manager – although a second source claims the FA still has other options under consideration and we can reveal how long Erik ten Hag had to save his job.

The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, as the German giants lost their Bundesliga title in 11 seasons and Bayer Leverkusen won the title for the first time in 120 years. history. But with a rich history of trophy success in the game, Tuchel is not expected to be out of work for long, having already been linked to a number of key roles.

In fact, he spoke to Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the summer about the possibility of taking the Manchester United job. And although the British billionaire was keen to name him Erik ten Hag’s successor, Tuchel decided the timing was not right and wanted to take a break from the game.

United’s poor start to the season has put Ten Hag under threat once again, although a board meeting this week decided to back their man once again, giving him more time to turn his form around.

However, we have reported throughout United’s season-long struggles that Tuchel has remained their No. 1 choice, with Ratcliffe even recommending to the board at Tuesday’s meeting in central London that he wants Ten Hag gone and that the German be installed as its replacement. .

Now United look like they will lose Tuchel completely with TV Welt revealing that negotiations between Tuchel and the FA are ‘advanced’ and that ‘an agreement could be reached quickly’.

This report has since been supported by several other sources who have confirmed these negotiations, with Christian Falk also confirming in X that Tuchel is in fact “negotiating the role of England national coach”.

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England have other candidates in mind as Ten Hag receives Man Utd release schedule

England have been searching for a new manager since Gareth Southgate’s departure at the end of Euro 2024, where the Three Lions were once again beaten as finalists.

Caretaker manager Lee Carsley was seen as the favorite to take over permanently, but Thursday’s shock home defeat to Greece – which saw the Three Lions suffer their first defeat to them and miss out on a competitive match at Wembley for the first time in four years – saw him disappear from the scene. And straight after Thursday’s defeat, Carsley admitted he hoped to resume his role with the Under-21s anyway.

Despite strong links with Tuchel in Germany, there has been no official confirmation from the FA, while journalist Ben Jacobs has appealed X to deny claims that the FA formally approached any candidate to take up the role.

And while Jacobs confirms that Tuchel ‘would welcome’ an interview, he reveals that ‘Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter are also under consideration’, although neither Carsley nor Eddie Howe can be ruled out at this stage, although he admits that any move for the O Newcastle boss is considered an expensive signing.’

It remains to be seen whether England’s apparent contact with Tuchel triggers a U-turn at United, although we understand that the Dutchman has been told by United that he now has just two games to save his job and that failure to achieve positive results in both could see the ax fell on his reign.

United face Brentford at home next Saturday before a Europa League game against José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe on Thursday 24 October.

With the United board now ‘split’ under Ten Hag, our sources have indicated that both Tuchel and Potter remain at the top of his list to take charge.

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Meanwhile, sporting director Dan Ashworth is already busy with plans for the January window and his main target is a new left-back.

United have once again been without the services of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia this season, leaving the position a real problem area for the Red Devils.

As we revealed exclusively this week, Man Utd are seriously considering a move for Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwellwhich is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans at Stamford Bridge.

Competition will come from both Atletico Madrid and Juventus, but a move to Old Trafford is considered attractive for the 27-year-old.

He’s not the only full-back on Ashworth’s list, as we understand RB Salzburg star Amar Dedic is also being courted by Man Utd.

Dedic’s natural position is right-back, but he can also play as a central defender or left-back. His versatility is one of the reasons why Man Utd are interested in the 22-year-old.

Elsewhere, Ashworth is also on the verge of concluding a major new deal to tie Kobbie Mainoo to the club in the near future. The teenager is one of United’s brightest hopes and consistent stars, and news of his new deal will offer a timely boost to everyone associated with the club.