Thomas Tuchel‘s appointment at the helm of the England team has left Sir Jim Ratcliffe with quite the problem.
Tuchel, 51, had been a prime candidate to potentially replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. And, despite surviving the international break, Ten Hag’s position remains precarious following a dismal start to the new season.
If Manchester United’s poor form persists, Ratcliffe may be compelled to make a managerial change. And with Tuchel off the table, Radcliffe might have to look elsewhere for some options, reports the Mirror.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
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Likely to be high on the list is Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman is currently serving as one of Ten Hag’s assistants, having joined the backroom staff in the summer.
He spent five years with United as a player, netting 150 goals and winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Van Nistelrooy also brings much-needed managerial experience, having led PSV Eindhoven to the KNVB Cup in his sole season at the helm.
Kieran McKenna
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A familiar face at United, Kieran McKenna worked under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
McKenna departed shortly after Solskjaer was sacked to take over Ipswich Town in December 2021.
The work he’s done at Portman Road is nothing short of extraordinary, guiding the Tractor Boys to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League. His managerial progress would undoubtedly have caught United’s eye.
Zinedine Zidane
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One of the most prominent names currently without a job is Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman guided Real Madrid to two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues during his tenure but has been unemployed since leaving the Bernabeu in 2021.
Despite concerns that he has only managed Madrid, Zidane’s managerial prowess is undeniable. With no other apparent opportunities, United might be able to lure Zidane back into management.
Gareth Southgate
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Ex-England manager Gareth Southgate has been in contention since Euro 2024.
Ratcliffe is known to be a big admirer of Southgate’s work with the Three Lions, whom he led to back-to-back Euros finals.
It’s unclear whether Southgate is interested in club management, although he has ruled out a return to international football. While some fans may find his appointment underwhelming, his transformative impact on England’s culture could be just what United needs.
Graham Potter
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Despite his dismissal from Chelsea, Graham Potter is still considered a top-tier coach. Circumstances at Stamford Bridge were against him, but Ratcliffe might offer him more leeway.
Potter, known for his teams’ attractive style of play, could catch United’s eye given the apparent lack of clear direction under Ten Hag.
Despite rejecting all job offers since his departure from Chelsea, the opportunity to take the reins at United might lure him back into management.