An Erik Ten Hag Bayern Munich move could be the answer to grievances that fans of both Manchester United and the Bavarian side currently have.
For United, that grievance comes from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and tactics that see the team tend to concede a high number of shots per game, which is proving to be unsustainable. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich lost their 11-year hold on the Bundesliga crown back in April.
Erik ten Hag could potentially save the season by winning the FA Cup, but Man Utd face a daunting final against their noisy neighbours Man City, who won the final between the two clubs last campaign as part of their treble. Nonetheless, the new ownership have a big decision to make as to whether to stick with Ten Hag next season, or replace him.
This decision could be made for them, as according to German football journalist and transfer expert Christian Falk, as Ten Hag is being discussed by Bayern Munich about potentially taking over from Thomas Tuchel at the end of the campaign, while the former Chelsea manager himself is reportedly interested in occupying the Old Trafford dugout. In practice, that could mean a straight swap this summer.
However, Tuchel does not want any contact with Man Utd before Bayern play their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, after drawing 2-2 at the Allianz Arena in the first.
Ten Hag out: Time to go?
Ten Hag has also been linked with a sensational return to former club Ajax, and the fact that these reports of his possible exit are coming out suggest that the new ownership may not be entirely convinced that he is the right man to lead the Red Devils. The Dutchman has come under plenty of scrutiny this season for his tactical set-up, which has contributed to Man Utd failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Even last campaign, a third-place finish and a Carabao Cup trophy papered over some cracks, as Man Utd were humiliated 7-0 and 6-3 at bitter rivals Liverpool and Man City respectively, as well as other damaging defeats like the 4-0 humbling at Brentford. Thus, the new ownership may look towards a different manager to be the new face of their project.
Tuchel is just one name that has been touted, given his Premier League experience with Chelsea and his impressive CV, which includes a Champions League triumph with the Blues. He could still lead Bayern to Champions League glory this season too, which would certainly alert those at Old Trafford further.
