Manchester United have reportedly spoken with the advisors of one of their top managerial targets to gauge his interest in succeeding Erik ten Hag this summer.
Several changes have already been made at boardroom level at Old Trafford since the arrival of minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and a change in the dugout has also been mooted following an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign.
After securing a top-three finish in the Premier League and winning the EFL Cup last season, Ten Hag has come under increased scrutiny this term, with his Red Devils side failing to qualify for the Champions League and losing a club-record 13 matches in the top flight.
The FA Cup represents the only chance of silverware this season for Man United, who are at risk of failing of qualify for Europe altogether as they currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with seventh-placed Chelsea heading into their final three fixtures.
Regardless as to whether Man United win or lose in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City, it has been reported that Ten Hag will be relieved of his duties at the end of the campaign, and a number of targets have already being identified.
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Man United make contact with Thomas Tuchel
A recent report claimed that Man United have drawn up a three-man managerial shortlist of potential Ten Hag replacements, with Bayern Munich's soon-to-be-departing Thomas Tuchel regarded as the current frontrunner.
Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter are also under consideration, but the Red Devils appear to have already made their first move for Tuchel.
According to talkSPORT, there has been initial contact between Man United's hierarchy and Tuchel's advisers to discover whether the German would be interested in a summer move to Old Trafford.
Tuchel has mutually agreed to leave his role as Bayern boss at the end of the season and it is understood that the 50-year-old is determined to return to the Premier League having previously taken charge of Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2021.
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Tuchel eyeing up Premier League return?
Tuchel waxed lyrical about his 20-month stint at Chelsea prior to Bayern's Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday, saying: "It is no secret that I loved it at Chelsea.
"I loved it in England, and I loved it in the Premier League for sure. It was a very, very special time in England, and I remember it very well."
Asked if he could return to the English top flight this summer, Tuchel added: "This is a tricky road where you lead me. I'd rather not answer."
During his time at Bayern, Tuchel has won 36, drawn eight and lost 15 of his 59 games in charge across all competitions, and although he won the Bundesliga title last season, 2023-24 represents the club's first trophyless season in 12 years.
Oliver Thomas
