Thomas Tuchel slips down Manchester United's 5-man wishlist as they hunt for Erik ten Hag replacement - Reports

Former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly slipped down in the list of Manchester United's top five candidates to potentially replace Erik ten Hag this summer. Ten Hag won the FA Cup with the Red Devils at the end of the season and is reportedly awaiting a clarification on his situation at the club.

According to The Independent, Manchester United does not consider Tuchel high on their five-man list of managerial targets. The list reportedly includes Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Gareth Southgate apart from Tuchel. The report claims that Tuchel has fallen behind the others due to differences in outlook with the club.

Tuchel was heavily linked to Man United after he decided to leave Bayern Munich this summer. However, the board sees him as a temporary replacement rather than a long-term solution.

The new INEOS leadership led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers current England coach Gareth Southgate as an ideal candidate for the job, as per the aforementioned report. Southgate, however, is holding off listening to any offers until the conclusion of the Euros on July 14.

Apart from Southgate, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has reportedly "made an impression", while Pochettino could also be long term target for the Red Devils. Roberto De Zerbi is also being considered although Southgate remains the primary choice.

Manchester United will have to pay compensation sum to Erik Ten Hag if they sack him

According to The Mirror, Manchester United will have to pay a compensation fee of £9 million to Erik Ten Hag in the event of them deciding to sack him. The Dutchman has led the club to qualify for the Europea league following their 2-1 triumph in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Therefore, the club must pay Ten Hag his salary for the one year remaining in his contract if he is sacked.

The Independent reported that the Dutchman is yet to receive clarity on his future, as the management are considering waiting to hold talks their top replacement target Gareth Southgate. The managerial saga at Old Trafford could reportedly go on for weeks, with Ten Hag still willing to mutually part ways if the management decides.

Erik Ten Hag took charge of Manchester United in the summer of 2022, leading the club to a top four finish in the Premier League. He also won the Carabao Cup with the Red Devils in his first season.

However, the Dutchman faced major issues with multiple key players being injured for most of the season this time. Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League this season marking their lowest finish in history. It remains to be seen what happens to Erik Ten Hag's future at the club, with the coach reportedly willing to continue for another season.