Manchester United have not yet made contact with Thomas Tuchel about becoming their new head coach as the Premier League club weigh up whether to sack under-fire boss Erik ten Hag, according to reports.
Ten Hag’s position has been put under the microscope after United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, winning just two of their opening seven games.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS CEO and United’s football operations chief, led a board meeting on Tuesday that includes all senior management at the club as they weighed up whether to keep the Dutchman.
While he is yet to be approached about potentially returning to England to replace Ten Hag, it still remains a possibility that United could contact him in the coming days as the 54-year-old has jetted off for a short holiday.
Ten Hag has consistently said that he is under the impression that he retains the backing of the club’s hierarchy and has not been told otherwise.
But after being left facing the sack following a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham, United flattered to deceive with underwhelming performances in a 3-3 draw with FC Porto and goalless draw away to Aston Villa.
It is reported that the high-ranking figures at United are determined to act rationally and make measured decisions, rather than be ‘sentimental’ in their judgement.
Ratcliffe, along with his trusted advisor Sir Dave Brailsford and co-chairman Joel Glazer, met with chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, chief operating officer Collette Roche and chief financial officer Roger Bell to discuss their options.
It remains possible that United could opt to place Ruud van Nistelrooy – appointed as Ten Hag’s assistant in June – in temporary charge. That would allow the hierarchy the chance to work on finding a permanent successor behind the scenes if Ten Hag does depart.
