1 As the race to become Manchester United's next manager heats up, it appears that the club has zoned in on a candidate who they hope might take the reigns from Erik ten Hag next season.

While names such as Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate were floating around as speculation around Ten Hag's potential dismissal started to emerge, new candidates appear to have been popping up on an almost daily basis, with the favourite candidates for the role as punted by the media constantly revolving.

Reportedly, with Southgate focused on Euro 2024, Man United are no longer considering the England manager for the role.

Another name that's fallen by the wayside is Girona manager Michel Sanchez. While eyes were on the Girona boss due to his team's impressive performance in La Liga this season, he is believed to have "instantly rejected" the idea of moving to Old Trafford.

Still, other candidates appear to be more keen on the role, with former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick believed to be "desperate" to be considered for Ten Hag's job.

It even appears as if there is a slim chance that a recent Premier League manager could be interested in taking the reigns at Old Trafford. Roberto De Zerbi, who recently left his job at Brighton and Hove Albion, revealed that while he does not yet have another job lined up, he is enthusiastic about returning to the Premier League.

But while these managers may have simply indicated an openness to taking over from Ten Hag, there's another heavily mentioned name that is taking active steps to become a frontrunner for the role.

The media buzz around Thomas Tuchel is growing. Following a disappointing campaign with Bayern Munich, the German confirmed that he will step down as manager at the end of the season.

Not only will he be available should United choose to part ways with Ten Hag, but he also appears to be readying himself for his potential appointment.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg posted on X that Tuchel is lining up a move to either Manchester United or Chelsea this summer should he choose not to take a break from football.

"He has made the decision to either take a break in the summer or move to the Premier League. There are two possible and concrete destinations for Tuchel: ManUtd or Chelsea. Loose talks have started," the Sky Sports reporter posted on X.

Excl. News #Tuchel | He has made the decision to either take a break in the summer or move to the Premier League.

As revealed: As of the end of the season, he is only released. The contract runs until June 30, 2025. But: He can always come as a free agent. Bayern receives NO... pic.twitter.com/hNoQLLViP4

- Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 20, 2024

While Tuchel's tenure with Bayern may not have resulted in the success he was pursuing, he has nonetheless proven himself at the elite level of European football.

During his one-and-a-half years with Chelsea, Tuchel lifted won the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League. He also won the 2022/23 Bundesliga title with Bayern, with his team's performances dropping in the current season as Bayer Leverkusen remained undefeated to snatch the title.

Erik ten Hag will surely be seeking an unlikely victory in the FA Cup final to have any chance of saving his job and keeping the likes of Tuchel at bay.

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