Bayern Munich still searching for a manager to take charge this summer after Ralf Rangnick, Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso each turned them down; Thomas Tuchel leaving after failure to defend Bundesliga crown, despite Champions League chance; Erik ten Hag focused on Man Utd
Monday 6 May 2024 11:47, UK
Bayern Munich have placed Erik ten Hag on a new list of possible successors to Thomas Tuchel, but his focus is steadfastly on Manchester United.
Sky Sports News understands the Bundesliga giants have touched base with Ten Hag's agent Kees Vos to enquire if the Dutchman would be open to taking over at the Allianz Arena.
No formal talks have taken place with the United head coach himself, but he has been made aware of Bayern's interest.
Ten Hag communicated to his people that his sole focus is on finishing the season strongly with the Old Trafford side, who still want to secure European football and win the FA Cup.
The 54-year-old, who has been confident of remaining at the club beyond the summer despite the uncertainty over his position as INEOS make sweeping changes to the football structure, is held in high esteem by Bayern.
Bayern's hierarchy believe Ten Hag's coaching has been hampered by a litany of off-field issues and a poor operational set-up at United. His work at Ajax and his debut season in England has been given more credence than the current injury-riddled campaign, in which Ten Hag also had to manage through a protracted takeover.
He is not the only candidate Bayern have turned to after Ralf Rangnick became the latest man to rebuff their offer of replacing Tuchel after Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso.
Should INEOS decide to part company with Ten Hag at the end of the season, it is understood Bayern would not be the only potential suitors with Vos and his SEG agency having fielded contact from two other clubs.
Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:
It is an uncomfortable situation for a manager to have reached May without clarity over his future. And his agency, SEG, wouldn't be doing him solid service by not listening to the alternate offers out there.
Bayern Munich are an attractive one given Ten Hag's familiarity with the club - he coached their reserve team for two years - and would walk into a situation that was similar to what he had at Ajax: a platform for domestic dominance and a sporting structure to feed into. There would be a better squad, less global scrutiny, and Champions League football.
Bayern believe United haven't maximised the Dutchman's coaching credentials due to off-field turbulence - a view shared by INEOS, who are remedying the club's football operations.
There is the sense that they want their own pick in the dugout but that has been complicated by financial constraints and a lack of certified candidates.
If they were to let Ten Hag go and he did join Bayern, that would ease some of the monetary dilemma of making a managerial change and paying him compensation.
Given Thomas Tuchel's interest in the United job, there has been plenty of noise around a club swap. Could he take charge of the Old Trafford side with Ten Hag switching to the Allianz Arena?
Tuchel has long had appeal at United, but one source recently flagged a talking point that has been discussed internally: why has no-one else taken a shot at him since it was announced he'd be leaving Bayern?
Liverpool turned to Arne Slot, Barcelona - another opportunity Tuchel was attracted to - chose to convince Xavi to stay, and the German national team extended Julian Nagelsmann's contract.
INEOS could view the 50-year-old, who is a certified winner, as the perfect fit while they fully build a world-class operational structure. It hasn't escaped decision makers that bar Mainz, all his tenures have been only around the two-year mark or under.
He is, however, a manager who has won the Champions League and reached two finals at Europe's top table.
For now, Ten Hag doesn't want any distractions and INEOS do not want to show their hand over where their thinking lies before the season ends.
May 6: Crystal Palace (A) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
May 12: Arsenal (H) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
May 15: Newcastle (H) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
May 19: Brighton (A) - Premier League, kick-off 4pm
May 25: Man City (N) - FA Cup final, kick-off 3pm
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