Former England and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson believes Manchester United could be 'kicking themselves' for not waiting to appoint Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.
Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea just over a week ago following disagreements behind the scenes with new owner Todd Boehly. The German was appointed as Frank Lampard's successor in January 2021 and guided the club to three major trophies, winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
His tenure was packed with successes and Chelsea's decision to sack him was described as being harsh by general football supporters and pundits alike. However, the Blues' new owner wanted a different philosophy, quickly identifying Graham Potter as Tuchel's ideal successor.
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Prior to Boehly buying the club at the end of May, Tuchel was linked with becoming United's next manager, after uncertainty surrounded his future at Stamford Bridge following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. Former Blues owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government, leaving Chelsea and its staff facing uncertain futures at the time.
United had already pinpointed Erik ten Hag as their top target but Tuchel was heavily linked with the vacancy at Old Trafford. Now, former England international Johnson believes United may be regretting choosing Ten Hag when they did, insisting they could have waited for Tuchel instead, despite acknowledging that would have meant an even longer period without a manager being in place.
Johnson, speaking to Bettingodds.com, said: "Yes, they may be kicking themselves a little bit. Hindsight's a wonderful thing, isn't it?
"If they knew he could be departing so suddenly then maybe they would have waited, but you can't just sit there and wait. You need to do the deal that's best for you at that time rather than waiting for somebody you want to become available.
"Manchester United are seemingly doing better under Erik ten Hag so perhaps they're just as happy anyway."
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