Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains unclear but there is an overwhelming favourite to replace him.

There is now a clear frontrunner in the Manchester United’s search for a new manager, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag’s future is still uncertain at Old Trafford after United’s disappointing season saw them finish in eighth place on 60 points.

The Red Devils lost 14 times in the Premier League and conceded 58 goals but could still end the campaign with silverware as they contest the FA Cup final against rivals City for the second consecutive on Saturday.

United will make a decision on Ten Hag after the final at Wembley, but The Guardian say the club have an ideal candidate in mind should they decide to relieve him of his duties.

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Jamie Jackson reports that Thomas Tuchel is the leading contender, with figures at United feeling as though he has the tools to get them back to their previous heights.

Image: Getty

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading the search for a potential new coach, with key assistance from INEOS colleagues Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean Claude-Blanc and United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox.

Thomas Frank and the recently departed Mauricio Pochettino are also believed to be on United’s shortlist, as well as former coach Kieran McKenna – who achieved promotion with Ipswich Town in impressive fashion.

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The 38-year-old also has interest from both Chelsea and Brighton.

Image: Getty

Those within United’s set-up are also known admirers of England boss Gareth Southgate, who is out of contract in December 2024.

Tuchel will soon be a free agent after announcing he will be leaving Bayern Munich following a trophyless season.

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That decision had been made earlier in the campaign but Bayern tried to convince him to stay on after missing out of a number of managerial candidates.

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field – including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.