Why Thomas Tuchel is Ideal for Man Utd Despite Bayern Munich Setback
Thomas Tuchel’s efforts with Bayern Munich against Real Madrid did not go unnoticed, even when the Bundesliga team fell painfully short in their Champions League semi-final.
After the final whistle sounded inside the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, the only fans remaining were Bayern Munich supporters.
While waiting to be released, they noticed Thomas Tuchel emerge back into the arena for a television interview. Did they…? use abusive language What was his reasoning for substituting Harry Kane five minutes after normal time?
Throw missiles at him for failing to complete what has traditionally been a formality of Bayern winning the Bundesliga title.
turn their backs on him after his team had somehow snatched defeat from the jaws of a victory that would have taken them to a Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund?
d) sarcastically and gratefully wave goodbye to a manager whose tenure at the club has come to an end?
e) give him a standing ovation, yell his name, salute him as a hero, and rejoice when he reciprocates their praise?
One-eyed English observers may criticise the Bayern manager for withdrawing Kane, but this is more likely a reflection on us than on Tuchel. On the list of things that cost Bayern a Champions League final spot, Kane’s hooking ranks near the bottom.
Manuel Neuer’s error takes first place, with the officials’ blunder when Matthijs de Ligt thought he had scored a 103rd-minute equaliser coming in a close second. But is Kane being replaced? Really?
The England captain had done ok but that is about it. He got the assist for Alphonso Davies’ goal but it is fair to say the Canadian had a fair bit to do after Kane’s pass had reached him.
No, Bayern fans will not accept the notion that their team’s defeat in Madrid was the result of Tuchel’s shortcomings. And the kind of relationship Tuchel can have with his fans, his charisma, his personality, are why he WOULD be a good Manchester United manager.
Tuchel did not fail an audition at the Bernabeu for the United job, assuming it becomes available. He led a relatively small Bayern squad to within a Neuer flop of the Champions League final, a competition he has previously won.
On that journey, he defeated an English team that could still win the Premier League. After a controversial loss, he had the right blend of indignation over a decision that went against Bayern, and dignity in defeat. He represented an iconic club well. There would be many concerns for United fans if Tuchel was to replace Erik ten Hag.
For starters, how much input – or, to use the proper term, interference – would Tuchel tolerate from Sir Jim, Sir Dave, and the rest of the new football operations team? Also, what does it say about a manager if he is looking for his fifth major position in nine years?
Yes, there are reasons why Tuchel might not be the best fit if the new United football operations team decides to fire Erik ten Hag. However, substituting Harry Kane is not an option. There are several other reasons why he would be a good fit.
Why Thomas Tuchel is Ideal for Man Utd Despite Bayern Munich Setback
