Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to play the long game in United's manager search (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United are no longer considering Thomas Tuchel as a top candidate to replace Erik ten Hag next season, according to reports. The Red Devils are yet to make a decision on the future of their current manager, with INEOS taking their time to mull over whether he is the right man for the job.
Tuchel has been among the favourites to take over at United since it was announced he would be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season. However, it seems INEOS are no longer as interested in bringing him to Old Trafford in spite of his Champions League-winning credentials.
United are instead planning to bide their time in the hope that Gareth Southgate will be available to replace Ten Hag after the Euros, according to The Independent. It is said that Southgate has been identified as the club's top target and there is a belief that he would be interested in taking the job.
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The England boss, however, is fully committed to leading the country into the Euros and will not consider any approaches until after the tournament. He remains tied down until the end of the calendar year, meaning United would have to agree a compensation package with the FA in order to appoint him.
INEOS are thought to value Southgate's leadership qualities despite his lack of club experience since leaving Middlesbrough in 2009. They are said to view him as the perfect man to lead a cultural reset at Old Trafford in the way that he did with England upon replacing Roy Hodgson eight years ago.
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It seems United will need to play the waiting game to stand any chance of landing Southgate to succeed Ten Hag next season. They have also explored a number of alternative options but are yet to find one that stands out in the way Southgate does.
Thomas Frank, Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are just a handful of the other candidates to have been linked with the Red Devils. They were also said to have spoken to Kieran McKenna's representatives before the former United coach signed a new contract at Ipswich Town.
Southgate has not managed a club side in over a decade, having most recently been in charge of Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009. It was reported last month that discussions with United had already taken place, but it seems clear that any further talks will have to wait until after the Euros.
