Tuchel and De Zerbi were United's final two targets before Ten Hag FA Cup reprieve

Manchester United had narrowed their managerial search to Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi in the summer of 2024 before a last-minute change of heart kept Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout, according to The Athletic. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos had all but decided to sack the Dutchman following an eighth-place Premier League finish — the club’s lowest ever — only to reverse that decision after ten Hag led United to FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley.

Tuchel had recently been dismissed by Bayern Munich but arrived with considerable pedigree, having won the Champions League with Chelsea and managed PSG. United’s decision to pass on him ultimately benefited England, with the German going on to take charge of the national team. De Zerbi, meanwhile, had built a strong reputation at Brighton before departing to join Marseille — and has since taken over at Tottenham Hotspur.

Mauricio Pochettino also interviewed for the role but was ranked below both Tuchel and De Zerbi in United’s thinking at the time.

The reprieve for ten Hag proved short-lived. He was sacked after just nine Premier League games the following season, with Ineos facing scrutiny over a series of decisions that have continued to unsettle the club. During his extended tenure, United sanctioned the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte, both of whom are now considered surplus to requirements.

Ruben Amorim was brought in as ten Hag’s successor but lasted only 14 months before he too was dismissed. Michael Carrick took over on an interim basis and was subsequently handed the role permanently, though he is now reported to be facing the sack himself. Pochettino has been mentioned as a candidate should Carrick be relieved of his duties.