Reprieve for Erik ten Hag as Manchester United's No. 1 target makes major decision over new job

The October international break was presumed by some to be the end of the line for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United .

But, after talks between Old Trafford's power brokers ended with the Dutchman still in his post, he has enjoyed another boost on account of developments with another of the sport's plum jobs.

The Times reported on Tuesday that former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss has agreed a deal with the Football Association to become Gareth Southgate's long-term successor as England manager.

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From a United point of view, an interesting detail in the Times' story was their account of Tuchel's status with the football operation at Old Trafford, which is headed up by CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

United held talks with Tuchel in the summer before extending Erik ten Hag’s contract, but retained an interest in him. In recent weeks Tuchel was made aware that he would be United’s No1 target if they were to decide to replace Ten Hag.

Results have been sub-optimal for United so far this season. They lie 14th in the Premier League after damaging 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool and Tottenham. Back-to-back UEFA Europa League draws mean Ten Hag has won just one of his past 10 matches in European competition.

Any mid-season sacking would have to come with a contingency plan. If the Times' reporting is accurate, Tuchel was that plan. United could have other names lined up, but it is hard to think of another manager freely available on the market with the German's elite pedigree.

A period of limbo at this point of the campaign is so undesirable for United that Tuchel's decision to take on the England job might just have bought Ten Hag some time and space that he must use wisely.