Manchester United to battle Bayern Munich for Ligue 1 manager this summer - Reports
Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly have Ligue 1 manager Paulo Fonseca on their shortlist of managerial candidates. The Red Devils might have to see off competition from the Bundesliga giants to secure the Portuguese tactician.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Foncesca is an option for United if they part ways with Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach's future at Old Trafford looks increasingly doubtful after an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Foncesca has also garnered interest from Bayern and he's on their list of candidates to succeed Thomas Tuchel. The German coach has left the Allianz Arena after a trophyless campaign for the Bavarians.
The Lille boss has impressed during his time at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, overseeing 45 wins in 90 games. His side finished fourth in Ligue 1 usually playing in the manager's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. His contract expires next month but a potential extension isn't being ruled out.
Foncesca has also managed the likes of AS Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk in the past. He's won three titles in Ukraine with Donetsk and the Portuguese Cup with Braga in 2016.
Ten Hag's future could depend on how Manchester United fare in the FA Cup final. They face Manchester City on Saturday (May 25) and it's their last hope of European qualification for next season.
The Dutchman has a year left on his contract and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team will soon decide his fate. He arrived in July 2022, ending the club's six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel continues to be linked with Manchester United
Tuchel is also in the frame to replace Ten Hag if Ratcliffe decides to pull the plug on the Dutch coach's tenure. The former Chelsea manager earned massive plaudits during his short spell at Stamford Bridge.
Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg reports that there has been 'loose contact' between Manchester United and Tuchel. He would accept the Old Trafford job if offered as he admires the club and their new project.
Tuchel spent 17 months at Chelsea, guiding them to UEFA Champions League glory in 2021. He oversaw 63 wins in 100 games before being sacked by the Blues' new owners in September 2022.
Bayern have parted ways with Tuchel after a shock season where they surrendered the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012. Bayer Leverkusen romped to glory and the Bavarians failed to win any cup competition.