'Appreciation of Ineos': Romano confirms 'world-class' manager can be considered for United job
Manchester United went winless for the fifth game running following a goalless Premier League draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Erik ten Hag’s future has been put into question after the latest stalemate and there will be an executive meeting at the club on Tuesday.
The club’s performances could be a main area of focus and there is a possibility that Ten Hag could be sacked over the coming days too.
Amidst this, Fabrizio Romano has highlighted that INEOS had a meeting with Thomas Tuchel and his representative after the FA Cup final last season.
The German decided against proceeding further as he required a break from management, but Romano insists that Tuchel remains on the club’s radar.
He said on YouTube: “What I keep repeating to you on Thomas Tuchel is that Tuchel, you remember the exclusive story last summer, when Man United considered the position of Erik ten Hag.
“They were in the process to decide whether they wanted to confirm Ten Hag or fire him last summer after winning the FA Cup.
“What happened is that internally at Manchester United, they had a meeting with Thomas Tuchel and also with his agent representing him. So there was a meeting.
“Then they decided not to proceed on both sides. On Tuchel’s side, he wanted to relax a bit after Bayern, to take some energy and then return in the next months.
“Manchester United decided to confirm Erik Ten Hag as the manager.
“But that meeting is showing to you once again that the appreciation of INEOS, of the management team and of Manchester United in general, for Thomas Tuchel remains. So for sure, Thomas Tuchel is a candidate.”
United could contemplate a change this month
The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the campaign with just two wins from their opening seven league games. They are currently 14th in the table and six points behind the top four.
The club have not fared well in the Europa League either with back-to-back draws against FC Twente and Porto. Harry Maguire scored a late equaliser in stoppage time against the latter.
INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe would not have expected such a struggle. After spending £180 million on new signings, the minimum aim should be to compete for Champions League football.
United are already playing catch up after just seven top-flight games. It won’t come as a surprise if Ten Hag is replaced by Tuchel during the October international break.
Tuchel, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Malik Fathi, could bring about a change in the playing style. The Red Devils have lacked a constant attacking threat under Ten Hag.
United have also been found out defensively with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui being caught out of position due to their inverted runs. Opponents have capitalised on the same.
A change in personnel in the dugout could help in turning the club’s fortunes around.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com