Manchester United view Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel as 'outstanding choice' to be next manager

Manchester United view Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel as their first-choice managerial target, according to reports.

The German, who has been in charge of the Blues since January 2021, guided the club to Champions League triumph last season.

Speculation as to whether the 48-year-old will remain in charge of Chelsea for the start of the 2022/23 campaign has increased since the UK government imposed sanctions on the club last week.

Now, with United looking for a permanent manager in the summer and Tuchel’s future in London uncertain, the Red Devils have made the German their ‘no.1 target’, according to the Mirror.

The outlet claims United could ‘lure’ the 48-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer with a ‘generous compensation package’.

However, they add that failure to qualify for a Champions League spot this campaign, the competition they were eliminated from on Tuesday evening, could lead to Tuchel not being interested in the job.

United currently sit fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fourth-place Arsenal, but the Gunners have three games in hand, while Chelsea are third.

The German has also won silverware with Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain - something that could lead to the Red Devils pursuing their interest in him.

Despite the reports, Tuchel remains third favourite (5/1) to take the Old Trafford hot seat next season based on odds from SkyBet, as of March 16.

Currently, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag tops their list at 2/1, while PSG’s Mauricio Pochettino sits second favourite at 3/1.

Fellow Premier League managers Brendan Rodgers (8/1) and Antonio Conte (12/1) complete the top-five names.

The top ten are as follows:

Erik ten Hag - 2/1

Mauricio Pochettino - 3/1

Thomas Tuchel - 5/1

Brendan Rodgers - 8/1

Antonio Conte - 12/1

Ralf Rangnick - 16/1

Graham Potter - 18/1

Zinedine Zidane - 18/1

Carlo Ancelotti - 20/1

Diego Simeone - 20/1