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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Thomas Tuchel is open to remaining as Bayern Munich coach amid concerns he might not be offered the Manchester United job even if it becomes available, a source has told ESPN.
Bayern announced in February that Tuchel would leave the club at the end of the season. But after being knocked back by a number of potential replacements — including Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick — the German club have held talks with Tuchel about the possibility of staying on.
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Tuchel has viewed United as a potential next move if they decide to part company with Erik ten Hag at the end of the season. But according to a source, he fears he might not get the job even if Ten Hag leaves.
There’s a concern that incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth wants a head coach to slot into a wider structure rather than appointing a manager with more control, leading Tuchel to believe he might not fit the bill.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss has a reputation for challenging club chiefs. Ashworth, meanwhile, has built his CV as a successful sporting director by working with Gareth Southgate during his time with the English Football Association and with Graham Potter at Brighton.
Tuchel remains open to holding formal talks with United if negotiations break down with Bayern and a vacancy comes up at Old Trafford.
United are set to wait until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25 before making a decision on Ten Hag’s future.
The Dutchman, who has a contract until 2025, has come under increasing pressure following a disappointing second season in charge. United finished bottom of their Champions League group and with one league game to go, are at risk of recording their worst finish in the Premier League era.
United, who are eighth in the league, will fail to qualify for Europe next season if they don’t finish in the top seven or win the FA Cup. United can finish seventh by bettering Newcastle United‘s result against Brentford when they face Brighton at the Amex on Sunday.