Julian Nagelsmann inches closer to Bayern Munich as options to replace Erik ten Hag diminish | OneFootball

The upcoming summer was going to be a remarkable one for the sheer number of managerial changes on the horizon.

All the sings until the start of last summer pointed to Manchester United sitting with their feet up in that hassle as Erik ten Hag really looked like building something at the club.

Unfortunately, a quickly deteriorating situation has brought the focus to Ten Hag and there is no smoke without fire.

Multiple candidates have been mentioned as potential replacements and in a field of no outright favourites, Julian Nagelsmann looked closest to a sure bet.

That might not be the case anymore as Fabrizio Romano reports he is inching closer to a sensational return to Bayern Munich.

Nagelsmann was fired by Bayern last year after perceived underperformance but the free fall in their fortunes after the sacking has seen his tenure age like wine.

Thomas Tuchel is set to depart in the summer and a Nagelsmann return didn’t seem too likely but his head has clearly been turned by the promise of probably more decision-making power this time around.

Meanwhile, the German Football Federation is still trying to extend his contract till the 2026 World Cup at least but they are increasingly fighting a losing battle.

Losing battle is also what United looked to be fighting as an already underwhelming field of candidates will lose its biggest name with this move.

Roberto de Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and others like Xavi and Antonio Conte all come with huge asterisks attached to them.

De Zerbi seems too fiery and confrontational, Tuchel is coming off a disastrous spell at Bayern, same for Potter at Chelsea. Xavi and Conte haven’t been mentioned in concrete tones anyway.

Ultimately, a dearth of standout candidates might end up leaving Ten Hag in charge as he will have one final season to convince INEOS of his suitability long-term for the role.

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