England allegedly moved quickly to appoint Thomas Tuchel as their new manager amid fears that Manchester United were lining up a swoop for the German as Erik ten Hag's replacement.
The Three Lions announced on Wednesday that Tuchel had signed an 18-month contract to become the national side's new manager, with his contract due to officially begin at the start of 2025.
Tuchel left Bayern Munich over the summer, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks, with Man United believed to be considering bringing him in as a replacement for Ten Hag.
The Dutchman has kept his job for now and will lead the Red Devils into Saturday's Premier League clash with Brentford, but a poor result this weekend would leave club chiefs with a major decision to make.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Football Association moved quickly to appoint Tuchel as their new manager due to the growing interest from the 20-time English champions.
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England 'moved for Tuchel amid Man United threat'
The report claims that Pep Guardiola had been the leading choice for England, but the Spaniard was not prepared to leave his role as Manchester City manager in the middle of the season.
Graham Potter is said to have spoken to the FA about the role, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea head coach was ultimately overlooked, with Tuchel becoming the leading option.
Tuchel was heavily linked with the Man United job over the summer, but it is believed that discussions ultimately broke down due to the role that he would have had to accept in the new set-up at Old Trafford.
The German has been in charge of Augsburg's second side, Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich during a highly-successful managerial career, notably winning the Champions League with Chelsea.
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Who are now the leading options to replace Ten Hag?
There will not be a change in the Man United dug-out before the end of the week, but a poor performance and result against Brentford this weekend would place the manager in a difficult position.
With Tuchel now being confirmed in a new role, Ruud van Nistelrooy is the favourite to replace Ten Hag, with the former striker currently assistant manager for the 20-time English champions.
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna is also seemingly in the frame, while Brentford's Thomas Frank and Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim as seen as outsiders for the top job at Old Trafford.
Potter also continues to be linked with the role, although he was overlooked by Man United during the summer and England also decided against appointing him as their new manager despite his availability.
Matt Law
