Ex-Chelsea coach becomes 'prominent' option to replace Luis Castro as head coach of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr: Reports

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly emerged as an option to become the new head coach of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

Al-Nassr, who finished 14 points behind reigning champions Al-Hilal last campaign, are currently seventh in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League table. They have recorded one win and two draws in their three opening league games, scoring six times and shipping three in the process.

Now, according to X account @Arasci9, Al-Nassr have identified Tuchel as one of the most 'prominent options' to replace Luis Castro at the club. They are also keen to hire ex-AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli.

Ronaldo's team, who lost the King's Cup final to Al-Hilal last season, could reclaim their spot as a Saudi Pro League title challenger should they hire Tuchel soon. As of now, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ettifaq are in the top three places with nine points from three games each.

Tuchel, who helped Chelsea lift the UEFA Champions League trophy, UEFA Super Cup crown, and the FIFA Club World Cup, is currently out of a job. He left Bayern Munich earlier this June after guiding them to a decent 37 wins and 16 losses in 61 games across competitions.

Pundit opines on Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo's comments on Manchester United

Earlier this week, Cristiano Ronaldo stated that Manchester United have to rebuild their club to increase their chances of lifting silverware.

In his column for Caught Offside, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore provided his two cents on the Portuguese forward's recent comments on the Red Devils. He wrote:

"I agree with Cristiano Ronaldo when he says everything needs to be rebuilt at Manchester United. I hope he's being ironic though because his return for a second spell at Old Trafford [in 2021] to many was proof the club had lost its marbles. United, with Ronaldo there for a second time, became a club of headlines, headline-makers and galactic nonsense rather than being a serious football club."

Collymore, who represented Liverpool 81 times as a player, added:

"The truth is that a Manchester United in its groove, competing for the biggest honours and having recruitment, management and its finances in order wouldn't have caved in to the 'Will he, won't he go to [Manchester] City?' saga which saw United desperate to not be left behind in Manchester, never mind England."

Manchester United, who finished eighth last term, are currently 10th in the 2024-25 Premier League table with six points from four matches.