Bayern Munich has reportedly added Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag to their list of managerial candidates after a series of rejections, according to sources.
The Bundesliga champions are in the market for a new manager following their decision to let go of Thomas Tuchel, despite his recent success in leading them to the Champions League semi-finals.
Their search has been challenging, with initial targets including Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, who has decided to stay with a Bundesliga competitor.
Following Alonso’s refusal, Bayern approached their former manager Julian Nagelsmann, dismissed last March in favor of Tuchel, who also declined the offer, focusing instead on his role with the German national team for the upcoming European Championships.
After a further setback from Austria’s manager Ralf Rangnick, Bayern’s management finds itself in a difficult position.
Although not officially confirmed as their next option, German reporter Christian Falk has hinted that Ten Hag from Manchester United might now be under consideration by Bayern’s top brass.
In a post on the social media site X, Falk says the Dutchman, who coached Bayern Munich II from July 2013 to June 2015, “is also being discussed at Bayern” and that current head coach Tuchel is interested in replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Tuchel, who has previously won the Champions League, reportedly remains interested in the United managerial position but does not wish to engage with the club until after Bayern Munich’s second-leg Champions League semi final against Real Madrid.
Tuchel is considered a leading candidate to potentially replace Ten Hag, who is currently seen as likely to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post. England manager Gareth Southgate is also being considered for the role.
Erik ten Hag has faced a challenging season at Manchester United, marked by inconsistency despite a promising campaign in 2022/23. In his inaugural season, Ten Hag led United to a Carabao Cup victory, reached the FA Cup final, and secured a third-place finish in the Premier League.
However, this season has been marred by dismal performances and results, including unexpected home losses to Fulham, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Crystal Palace.
The pressure has been mounting on Ten Hag, especially following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of Manchester United. With the team managing only one win in their last six Premier League matches, questions about Ten Hag’s suitability continue.
Despite this, it is reported that Ratcliffe is inclined to allow Ten Hag more time, partly because there are no clearly superior alternatives available to take over.
