Thomas Tuchel to snub Man Utd job as England manager reaches agreement | Football | Sport

Thomas Tuchel is poised to pen a new deal that will see him remain the manager of the England national team until 2028, meaning he will snub the chance to manage Manchester United. The 52-year-old currently features on the Red Devils’ shortlist for the Old Trafford hotseat at the end of the season. Yet it appears United will need to explore alternatives, as Tuchel looks set to extend his tenure with the Three Lions beyond the World Cup.

Whilst his existing agreement with the national side is due to finish following this summer’s tournament in North America, The Times reports that the manager has committed to staying on. They add that the FA is likely to announce the development prior to Thursday’s 2025/26 Nations League draw, scheduled for 5pm. The prolonged deal means Tuchel should continue at England’s helm for the 2028 European Championship, which the country is jointly hosting alongside Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Following his arrival in October 2024, Tuchel has flourished with the Three Lions, booking their place at this summer’s World Cup in impeccable style. England not only triumphed in all eight qualifying fixtures, but managed to do so without conceding a single goal.

Manchester United supporters may find the news of Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension particularly disappointing, given the club’s current situation. Whilst Michael Carrick has injected fresh momentum into the Red Devils since taking charge last month – recording four victories and one draw from his opening five matches – he remains solely an interim manager.

This means the 44-year-old’s future beyond this season remains uncertain, with United planning to review their managerial options during the summer. Although Carrick could secure the role permanently should his impressive form continue, several high-profile names have been touted as potential candidates for the job ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Tuchel’s name featured prominently on that shortlist, thanks to his achievements at Chelsea and recent triumphs with England. Yet United may now need to explore alternative options following confirmation that Tuchel will be staying put in his current role for the foreseeable future.

Roberto De Zerbi is a credible alternative, particularly after the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager departed Marseille by mutual agreement on Wednesday morning. While De Zerbi enjoyed initial success with the Ligue 1 contenders, the current campaign has proved especially challenging for the Italian tactician.

Marseille’s turbulent campaign reached breaking point last month when they crashed out of the Champions League, compounded by their fourth-place position in Ligue 1, trailing leaders PSG by nine points. A humiliating 5-0 defeat to Les Parisiens on Sunday sealed the fate of Italian boss Roberto De Zerbi, with the club confirming his exit just three days later.

The club’s official statement declared: “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 sole candidate being touted for a switch to the north west, though. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has long been associated with the vacancy, with speculation intensifying following confirmation he’ll depart Selhurst Park upon his contract’s expiry this summer.

Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has emerged as a shock contender for a return to club management, with the 55-year-old having been without a role since stepping down from the England job following their runners-up finish at Euro 2024. Julien Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti and Andoni Iraola have also been mentioned as potential long-shot candidates.

Meanwhile, Carrick remains focused on his immediate responsibilities as he seeks to establish himself as a genuine contender for the permanent role at Old Trafford.

Currently, United occupy fourth spot in the Premier League table as they pursue European qualification for next season – having been absent from continental competition this campaign. The Red Devils’ next fixture sees them travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Monday, February 23.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page