The ongoing managerial search at Manchester United has taken yet another twist, with talks breaking down between the club and Thomas Tuchel. This latest setback raises questions about the decision-making process and the long-term vision of the club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership.
When Ratcliffe invested in United earlier this year, he emphasized the importance of finding the right people with the right character and personality to work positively in a structured environment. While there are no doubts about Tuchel’s coaching abilities, his track record suggests a struggle to work harmoniously within a club’s structure.
Tuchel’s previous stints at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich all ended prematurely due to strained relationships in the boardroom or dressing room. This raises concerns about his compatibility with Ratcliffe’s vision of creating a positive and collegial atmosphere at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe has identified the “environment” as the main problem at United in the post-Ferguson era, rather than the coaching abilities of past managers. However, the club’s pursuit of Tuchel, who has a history of turbulent relationships, contradicts this commitment to creating a stable and unified environment.
It is unclear how United ended up considering a coach like Tuchel, whose previous jobs ended in acrimony, given their desire to move away from a boom-and-bust approach. The club seems to have lacked clarity in their decision-making process, potentially jeopardizing the long-term vision they seek.
Other candidates under consideration, such as Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate, present their own challenges. De Zerbi’s combustible nature and discordant departure from Brighton & Hove Albion raise doubts about his suitability for United’s new regime. Southgate, on the other hand, excels in managing the environment but may lack the elite-level coaching required to bring United back to the top.
The lack of a clear football strategy and vision for the future is evident in United’s prolonged search for a manager. Ratcliffe’s assertion that the club will decide the style of football and the coach must adhere to it may not sit well with candidates like Tuchel and De Zerbi, who have their own ideas and approaches.
The whole process appears confused, exacerbated by the delay in finalizing Dan Ashworth’s appointment as director of football and the lack of compensation agreement with Newcastle United. It seems that United has yet to settle on a football strategy or identify the specific qualities they seek in a new manager.
As the search drags on, it becomes increasingly tempting to consider continuity with Erik ten Hag, the FA Cup-winning interim manager. While there are doubts about his long-term suitability, sticking with him for now may provide some stability while the club figures out its direction.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s managerial search has hit another stumbling block with talks breaking down with Thomas Tuchel. This setback raises questions about the club’s decision-making process, long-term vision, and commitment to creating a positive and structured environment. As the search continues, it is crucial for United to clarify their football strategy and identify a manager who aligns with their vision for the future.