Thomas Tuchel explains why he joined England despite Manchester United interest

Thomas Tuchel has explained why he joined England as manager despite reported interest from Manchester United.

Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss, was confirmed as England’s new manager on Wednesday moring, following the latest international break.

He replaces Gareth Southgate, who stepped down after leading the team to a runners-up finish at Euro 2024.

For Manchester United fans, this feels like a setback, as Tuchel was widely seen as a leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag were to be dismissed.

With Ten Hag under significant pressure and narrowly surviving the most recent international break, his future remains uncertain, and a change could still happen if results don’t improve soon.

It has been confirmed that Tuchel signed his England contract earlier this month on the same day that INEOS chiefs met to discuss Ten Hag’s future.

The new England boss was asked about the reported interest from Old Trafford in his opening press conference as Three Lions manager.

“Well, that would have also been England…” responded Tuchel when asked about his love for the country and why he decided to join England over United.

“[My decision was] because the idea and the way John [McDermott] and Mark [Bullingham] presented it was very fast and very exciting. It was very confidential and very trustful.

“It was straight forward and it was a decision for this job and not a decision against anything else.

“You will understand that I will not comment on any individual players today and for sure not comment on any other clubs.”

United, meanwhile, focus on their upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford with a win vital for Ten Hag.

However, if the Dutchman is dismissed in the coming weeks, there is no longer a standout candidate available to take over.

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