Thomas Tuchel looks on
Thomas Tuchel is set to extend his stay with England
Thomas Tuchel is expected to sign a new contract which will keep him with the England national team until 2028, in a crushing blow to fans. The 52-year-old is currently on the Reds' shortlist to take up tenure at for 2026/27.
However, it now seems as though United will have to look elsewhere, given Tuchel is expected to extend his stay with the Three Lions beyond the World Cup. While his current contract with the national team is set to expire after this summer's tournament in North America, report that the head coach has agreed to stay on.
The publication also claim that the FA should confirm the news ahead of Thursday's 2025/26 Nations League draw, which lands at 5pm. The extension means that Tuchel should remain in charge of England for the 2028 Euros, which the nation is co-hosting with Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
Since his appointment in October 2024, Tuchel has thrived with the Three Lions, securing a spot at this summer's World Cup in flawless fashion. Not only did England win all eight of their qualifying matches, but did so without conceding a single goal.
The news of Tuchel's new deal may be unappreciated by Manchester United fans in paerticular, given the club's current predicament. While Michael Carrick has managed to breath a new lease of life into the Reds since his arrival last month, securing four wins and a draw from his first five games in charge, he has only been taken on as an interim head coach.
That means that the 44-year-old could well be out of a job come the end of the season, with United set to consider their options this summer. While Carrick could be offered a permanent position if he continues his current run of form, a number of other names have been linked with taking the hotseat at the Theatre of Dreams for 2026/27.
That list ultimately included the name of Tuchel, given his past exploits with and his recent success with England. However, United may have to look elsewhere given the fresh revelation that Tuchel will remain in his current post a little longer.
Roberto De Zerbi could come as a suitable candidate, given the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss left Marseille via mutual consent on Wednesday morning. Despite seeing early success with the Ligue 1 challengers, this season has proven particularly problematic for De Zerbi.
Not only were Marseille dumped out of the in dramatic fashion last month, but the club also sit fourth in the league standings, lagging leaders PSG by nine. A 5-0 thrashing to Les Parisiens on Sunday proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back for the Italian head coach, with the club announcing his departure three days later.
An official statement read: "Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement. Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club's management - the owner, president, director of football, and coach - it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.
"This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season."
De Zerbi isn't the only manager who has been linked with making the move to the north west, however. Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner has also been linked with the post for an extended period, with the revelation that he will leave Selhurst Park when his current contract expires this summer further propelling the rumour mill.
Elsewhere, Gareth Southgate has been linked with a sensational return to club football, given the 55-year-old has been out of the managerial game since parting ways with England's national set-up in the aftermath of a runner-up spot at Euro 2024.
Julien Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti and Andoni Iraola are also among the names who have emerged as outsiders. It comes as Carrick will continue to focus on the task at hand to put himself in the long-term picture with United.
At the time of writing, United sit fourth in the standings as they look to close in on European qualification for the new season - having missed out on it this term. Up next for the Reds is a trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton come Monday, February 23.
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