Thomas Tuchel set to take break from football despite being favourite to become new Manchester United manager

Thomas Tuchel decided to rule himself out from taking on the Manchester United managerial position. The former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager was expected to be one of the candidates under consideration by United if they decided to replace Erik ten Hag.

A post-season evaluation has still to be completed, and Ten Hag is yet to discover whether or not he will be retained as manager at Old Trafford for a third season. Tuchel is understood to have visited United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in France. Yet, the 50-year-old German, who additionally managed Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint- Germain, wishes to take a vacation after leaving Bayern at the end of the previous campaign.

The German had ideas for how to resurrect the successful careers of Jadon Sancho as well as Mason Mount, citing his collaboration with Antonio Rudiger as a prime instance. His departure from FC Bayern Munich was confirmed prior to the end of the year, with talks allegedly underway about a comeback. A deal could not be reached, so he ended up being replaced by Vincent Kompany when Bayern paid Burnley's release clause.

Tuchel has already expressed his ambition to return back to the Premier League at a certain time in the future. Despite lengthy negotiations involving Tuchel and Ratcliffe, it looks that the German will not be coming to Old Trafford. As per the reports that are emerging, if offered the Manchester United job, Tuchel will turn it down.

Who would Manchester United go for if Thomas Tuchel is not available?

If United opt to make a change, they have been associated with an array of managers, notably Mauricio Pochettino, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham, Thomas Frank of Brentford, and Graham Potter.

England manager Gareth Southgate has been additionally linked, having visited Sir Dave Brailsford's 60th birthday festivities earlier this year. Nevertheless, United's first pre-season game is scheduled for the day following the Euro 2024 final, and Southgate's agreement alongside the Football Association runs until the end of the year.