Why Bayern Munich decided against a move for Erik ten Hag in favour of keeping Thomas Tuchel

Erik ten Hag is on Bayern Munich’s shortlist (Getty)

Bayern Munich have decided against a move for Erik ten Hag after several players urged the club to keep Thomas Tuchel, according to reports.

Bayern announced in February that Tuchel would leave at the end of the season and have been working on appointing a new head coach for the last three months.

However, Bayern have suffered several setbacks in their search with Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick all rejecting a move.

According to Sky Germany, Bayern’s hierarchy now want Tuchel to remain in charge for another season, while the 50-year-old is also keen to stay.

The report claims that Tuchel is now demanding a new contract which will keep him tied to the club until 2026 and Bayern are in talks to reach an agreement.

Bayern have both Ten Hag and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi still on their shortlist but Sky Germany report that several first-team players including Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala have given their backing for Tuchel to remain at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich are now in talks to keep Thomas Tuchel for at least another season (Reuters)

Bayern’s decision could have a major impact on Ten Hag’s future with United’s board set to make a decision over the Dutchman once the season is over.

Tuchel was understood to be keen on taking the United job if it was made available this summer.

Ten Hag still has a year remaining on his contract with United and could still end the season with a trophy if his side beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.

When asked about his future after United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, Ten Hag said: ‘I cannot answer tonight this question as it is a very long answer.

‘I don’t think it is the right moment to talk about this. I have to talk about the next game and then a great final, it a huge achievement even in a disappointing season.

‘I see the positives this team is developing. I think we had a difficult season, but one thing was constant and that was them [the supporters] being with us and backing the team. We are very pleased with it and we want to pay them back.

‘Our last game [at home]. We wanted to thank them for sticking with us, we are in difficult times. We are in a transition at this club and the results are not what we expect. We also have our reasons, but it’s still a disappointing season.’

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