Erik ten Hag 'wanted by European powerhouses as next manager'

Ten Hag led the Red Devils to the EFL Cup trophy last season, while the club also made the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League during a strong first campaign for the 54-year-old at the helm.

It has been a different story during the 2023-24 campaign, though, with Man United finishing bottom of their Champions League section, while they are currently down in seventh position in the Premier League table and cannot qualify for next season's European Cup.

Ten Hag can deliver more domestic silverware this term, with the 20-time English champions preparing to tackle bitter rivals Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup later this month.

However, the Dutchman has not been publicly backed by new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is believed to be considering bringing in a new manager this summer.

Bayern 'interested in appointing Erik ten Hag as new manager'

According to The Mirror, Bayern are showing a strong interest, with the German champions on the lookout for a new head coach, as Thomas Tuchel will depart this summer.

The report claims that Roberto De Zerbi had been the German club's leading target after failing to convince Xabi Alonso to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

However, Bayern are not willing to pay the £12m release clause in De Zerbi's Brighton & Hove Albion contract, so the Munich giants have moved onto their next target.

Ten Hag was in charge of Bayern Munich's second team between 2013 and 2015, and he is believed to be admired by senior figures at the club, making a move a serious possibility if Man United sack him.

After leaving Bayern, the Dutchman managed FC Utrecht between 2015 and 2017 before moving to Ajax, winning three league titles and two KNVB Cups ahead of his switch to Old Trafford.

Thomas Tuchel could replace Erik ten Hag at Man United

Man United are allegedly exploring the possibility of bringing Tuchel to Old Trafford, so the 20-time English champions could potentially swap managers with Bayern this summer.

England head coach Gareth Southgate is also being linked with the role, but his lack of managerial experience at club level means that it would be a risky appointment.

Meanwhile, Graham Potter - another alleged leading target - struggled at Chelsea, and Man United cannot afford to get their next appointment wrong, if Ten Hag is shown the exit.

Tuchel was unable to lead Bayern to another Bundesliga title this season, but he could deliver the Champions League, with the club level at 2-2 with Real Madrid ahead of the second leg of their semi-final.

The German was in charge of Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022, and he won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.