Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'makes approach for Thomas Tuchel' as details emerge after nervy Coventry win

Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'makes approach for Thomas Tuchel' as details emerge after nervy Coventry win

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'makes Thomas Tuchel approach'

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 22/04/2024

- 08:09

The Red Devils made the final of the FA Cup on Sunday - but Erik ten Hag remains in a fight to save his job

Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has approached Thomas Tuchel about potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, reports say.

Ten Hag is currently in the spotlight after his side's nervy win over Coventry on Sunday, with the Red Devils throwing away a 3-0 lead before eventually winning on penalties.


Though United could yet win silverware, it's been a rough season for everybody at Old Trafford - leading to uncertainty over Ten Hag's future.

Ratcliffe is in charge of sporting operations at United and watched the chaotic win over Coventry while sat alongside Avram Glazer.

Man Utd Sir Jim Ratcliffe Thomas Tuchel

Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly approached Thomas Tuchel about potentially taking over at Old Trafford

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Ten Hag has repeatedly insisted he isn't feeling the pressure at United.

But German publication Kicker claim Ratcliffe has started to look at potential successors, with Tuchel on his list.

It's claimed 'first contacts' have been initiated, with Ratcliffe described as a 'big fan' of the Bayern Munich boss.

The United chief has reportedly even asked Tuchel for a 'commitment' with a view to hiring the 50-year-old at the end of the season.

But the Bayern boss, for the time being at least, is solely focused on his work over at the Allianz Arena.

Tuchel is leaving Bayern at the end of the campaign, having overseen a turbulent season over in Bavaria.

The German giants have already missed out on Bundesliga glory to Bayer Leverkusen, with Xabi Alonso's side still undefeated this season.

But Bayern could yet secure Champions League glory, with Tuchel's side through to the semi-finals of the competition.

They reached the last four with a 1-0 win over Arsenal last week. Joshua Kimmich netted the only goal of the game, breaking Gunners hearts in the process.

And Bayern will be hoping to give Tuchel a fairytale farewell as they prepare for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid later this month.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, admitted to 'mixed feelings' after United battled their way past Coventry.

“It's mixed feelings. The way we did it isn't OK," admitted the 54-year-old.

"We should have managed it better but it's a huge performance. If you analyse the game we controlled 75 minutes but then allowed them to return into the game.

"We can be happy with the achievement, getting to the final, that's huge.

"If you see United was, in the last 20 seasons, five times in the FA Cup final and now we are twice there in two years.

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Man Utd Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe was sat in the stands for the Red Devils' FA Cup win over Coventry

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"We need to win that final though. When we [are] 100 per cent in it then we can do it.”

He added: "It was an incredible game, a strange game too.

"We had total control for so long and then gave it away in the last part of the game.

"We did show resilience to win the penalty shootout. We had control for 75 minutes and have to give Coventry a compliment for what they did in the last 15 minutes.

"We have to improve. We talk a lot about this. First you have to put yourself in a winning position but then you have to take it over the line.

Man Utd Erik ten Hag

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep his job after his side scraped past Coventry on Sunday

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"In these moments we are making mistakes and not keeping our responsibilities. We have to show resilience.

"By the end we did show resilience and determination to win the shootout. When you are so in control you should win easy."

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