Wayne Rooney's wish could come true as Man United make next manager decision

Manchester United are have two key targets in their search for a new manager this summer as Michael Carrick leads the squad into the Manchester Derby on Saturday

Thomas Tuchel is reportedly one of the leading targets for Manchester United amid the club’s search for a new manager this summer – and Wayne Rooney has already outlined his fondness for the current England boss.

United have brought Michael Carrick in as head coach to guide the team until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s sudden departure. It has been seemingly made clear that there is no intention for Carrick to remain in the role long term.

Instead, the club are looking for a highly experienced manager to revitalise the Premier League giants. Oliver Glasner has been linked with the job, a move supported by the Crystal Palace boss announcing that this season would be his last with the Eagles.

However, according to The i Paper, United’s hierarchy are not considering the Palace manager and instead have their sights set on two former Premier League head coaches - Tuchel and Robert De Zerbi. Old Trafford legend Rooney has previously expressed his interest in bringing in the England manager.

He told the Wayne Rooney Show: "Xabi Alonso did incredible at (Bayer) Leverkusen and I think you have more chance of him sitting and waiting and hoping with (Liverpool manager Arne) Slot.

"Tuchel is the one for me. He knows the Premier League, has won trophies. He is doing well at England. Time will tell."

Before taking the England job last year, Tuchel had managed three of Europe’s biggest clubs - Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. The 52-year-old won major silverware with each side.

At Chelsea, Tuchel famously won the Champions League in a final against Manchester City, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He then left Stamford Bridge for Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga title.

Before taking charge of Chelsea and Bayern, Tuchel made his name in France with PSG. He won two league titles, the French Cup, the French League Cup and finished second in the Champions League.

While those achievements have impressed Rooney, Tuchel’s biggest challenge could come this summer as he prepares to lead England at the 2026 World Cup.

The German has enjoyed a positive start with the Three Lions, and his future could depend on how England perform at the tournament, with the side among the favourites.

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Tuchel is not the only name linked with the soon-to-be vacant United job. Luis Enrique has also been mentioned, although the current PSG boss is expected to remain in France.

Former Brighton manager De Zerbi is reportedly another key target. Now at Marseille, the Italian has enjoyed a positive spell, recording a 58 per cent win rate from 62 matches, compared to Amorim’s 40 per cent at United.

For now, Carrick remains in charge. Ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby, the former midfielder outlined his aim for the season, saying: "Not in terms of it has to be this or that way. Like I said, we want to be near the top. But we have to take some small steps toward that and European football would a step toward that."

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