Thomas Tuchel could sign four former players to get gang back together at Man Utd

Thomas Tuchel has emerged as a potential replacement candidate if Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag at the end of the season. The German coach will be available after Bayern Munich confirmed he would be departing this summer even if he guides the club to a seventh Champions League.

Whoever is in charge at Old Trafford next season will operate as part of a new-look football hierarchy with a revised transfer strategy.

Express Sport looks at four of Tuchel’s former players who could arrive at United with him if Sir Jim Ratcliffe opens the door for a Premier League return.

Andreas Christensen

Speaking of Premier League returns… Andreas Christensen may be interested to reunite with Tuchel if he enters the hot seat.

United reportedly joined Newcastle United in showing a strong interest in Christensen in January, with the Danish centre-back not receiving as many minutes as he would’ve liked at Barcelona this season.

Xavi remaining as manager beyond the summer could tempt him to pursue a fresh challenge. He played 53 games for Tuchel at Chelsea, lifting the Champions League together.

United will sign a new centre-back this summer, and the 28-year-old could emerge as a realistic option.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot has been heavily linked with United since Erik ten Hag’s first summer transfer window in 2022, when talks over a free transfer collapsed over his demands.

The 29-year-old has had an impressive season at Juventus but is once again nearing his contract expiry and may represent a bargain if he decides to leave.

Rabiot featured 20 times for Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain, so more links this summer wouldn’t be a surprise.

United are expected to pursue a new midfielder as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen face uncertain futures.

Ross Barkley

Reports in February linked Ross Barkley with a shock move to United this summer after standing out at Luton Town on his Premier League return.

Ratcliffe is said to be keen to bring him to Old Trafford, and he had previous with Tuchel, another of the 71-year-old co-owner’s targets.

Barkley made 14 appearances under Tuchel at Chelsea, lifting the Club World Cup during the German’s tenure.

He would undoubtedly be interested in joining United this summer, and a reunion with a familiar boss may make it more appealing.

Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons didn’t actually take to the pitch while he was a teenage hopeful during Tuchel’s reign at PSG.

But he was named in two squads and was reportedly on United’s shortlist for attacking reinforcements last summer before joining RB Leipzig.

Simons has produced nine goals and 15 assists in 42 appearances this season, while the Red Devils have struggled for goals.

Michael Olise is claimed to have been identified as a primary candidate to bolster Ten Hag’s wing options. But the 21-year-old Dutchman could be just as enticing an opportunity.