Richard Keys claims insider information on why Man Utd failed to land Thomas Tuchel
### Why Manchester United Missed Out on Thomas Tuchel: Richard Keys Shares Insider Scoop
Manchester United’s failure to secure Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for Erik ten Hag has sparked controversy, with sports pundit Richard Keys revealing the reasons behind the club’s decision. According to Keys, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s frugality played a key role in the outcome.
#### **A Tale of Missed Opportunities**
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, along with his INEOS colleagues, meticulously evaluated their options before deciding to stick with Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager for the 2024/25 season. Despite months of speculation and the new owners openly courting other managers, Ten Hag’s position was only confirmed after Ratcliffe flew out to Ibiza to deliver the news personally.
One notable candidate was Thomas Tuchel, who was available after his departure from Bayern Munich. Ratcliffe met Tuchel in Monaco, where the German coach outlined his vision for the club. However, Ratcliffe ultimately chose not to make a move, a decision that has since been heavily criticized.
#### **Richard Keys’ Verdict**
Richard Keys, a presenter for beIN SPORTS, did not hold back in his criticism of Ratcliffe and his team. In his blog, Keys described the handling of the managerial decision as “rank amateurism” and suggested that the players had expected Ten Hag to be replaced. He argued that if Ratcliffe had offered a competitive salary, Tuchel would have accepted the job.
“What on earth is Sunny Jim doing at United? After hawking Ten Hag’s job around Europe since the end of the season, it turns out the incumbent stays in post – although he was only fourth choice. The players must be on the floor. To a man, they expected Ten Hag to get the sack. What does Ratcliffe think will change?” wrote Keys. “If he’d offered a proper salary, I’m told Tuchel would’ve said ‘yes’. But Ratcliffe is trying to do everything on the cheap.”
#### **The Branthwaite Saga**
The financial strategy of Ratcliffe and his team has been further highlighted by their approach to signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Manchester United proposed a deal worth £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons, but Everton values the player closer to £70 million. This discrepancy suggests that the transfer saga could drag on unless United decides to walk away.
Keys believes Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures will backfire, predicting that Ten Hag might not last until Christmas. “He’ll also have to sack Ten Hag before Christmas,” Keys added, expressing his skepticism about the club’s direction under its new ownership.
#### **Ratcliffe’s Cost-Cutting Measures**
Since taking over from the Glazer family, Ratcliffe has made it clear that he intends to save money. This includes cutting jobs and making significant changes to the senior management team responsible for transfers. Ratcliffe’s approach aims to avoid what he perceives as past mistakes made by United.
“They haven’t got the manager selection right, haven’t bought well,” Ratcliffe told The Times in 2019. “They have been the dumb money, which you see with players like Fred. United have spent an immense amount since Ferguson left and been poor, to put it mildly. Shockingly poor, to be honest. We (INEOS) have a different approach here – to be moderately intelligent about it, try to do it more grassroots, trying to locate young talent. Some clubs seem to have an ability to do that, Southampton, Lille. United have done it really poorly. They have lost the plot.”
#### **Join the Conversation**
For more updates and to join the discussion, consider joining our new WhatsApp community. Stay informed with the latest Manchester United news, and enjoy special offers, promotions, and more. You can leave the community anytime if you wish. For details, please read our Privacy Notice.
