What options remain for MU after losing Tuchel?

After Thomas Tuchel officially extended his contract with the England national team, Manchester United’s plan to bring the German coach to Old Trafford has effectively ended.

This forces the management The Red Devils to accelerate their search for a head coach capable of leading the team into a new era.

Manchester United has no shortage of candidates, but not every name meets the requirements for rebuilding and the ambition to conquer the Premier League in the coming years. Among the candidates, those who have proven their caliber at the highest level clearly hold an advantage.

Xabi Alonso – A gamble worth taking

Alonso emerges as the most promising option. He once helped Bayer Leverkusen end Bayern Munich’s 11-year Bundesliga dominance with a brilliant season, considered one of Europe’s most impressive achievements of the decade. His modern tactical thinking, ability to organize play scientifically, and strong personality in the locker room are qualities Manchester United currently lacks. Although recently dismissed by Real Madrid, Alonso remains a heavyweight name. Having worked under Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso combines experience with innovative thinking.

Xavi – Glory and questions

Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season, rebuilding the Catalan club during a financially difficult period. He emphasizes ball control, clear tactical structures, and youth development. However, Xavi’s experience outside Barcelona is limited. His success is somewhat tied to the club’s existing identity, whereas Manchester United is a completely different environment, with more pressure and less patience.

Luis Enrique – Class and character

Luis Enrique is a well-rounded coach. He has won the Champions League with Barcelona and made a strong impact at Paris Saint-Germain. Enrique builds a high-intensity playing style, enforces strict tactical discipline, yet maintains strong team spirit. The biggest challenge lies in convincing him to leave PSGwhere he currently has a stable foundation and clear European ambitions.

Carlo Ancelotti – Reputation but lacking rebuilding focus

Ancelotti boasts an extensive trophy collection with AC Milan and Real Madrid. However, he usually succeeds with already established squads. Manchester United currently needs a builder to reconstruct the foundation rather than a manager of a star-studded dressing room. At 66, Ancelotti is unlikely to be a long-term solution.

Julian Nagelsmann – Youth and modern thinking

Nagelsmann represents the new generation of coaches. He has managed Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, known for tactical creativity and working within a sporting director model. If Manchester United aims for a modern governance structure, Nagelsmann fits well. However, his current commitment to the German national team until 2028 complicates this deal.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino, Andoni Iraola, and Oliver Glasner are also mentioned but with more caution. Pochettino no longer holds the same appeal, Iraola needs more time to prove himself in high-pressure environments, and Glasner lacks long-term stability.