Following confirmation that Chelsea and their owner Roman Abramovich have been hit with a plethora of sanctions by the UK government, links connecting Manchester United and Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel are highly likely to emerge.
United, who drew 1-1 with Chelsea back in November under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, are still on the hunt for their next permanent manager and are yet to make a decision on who will succeed current interim boss Ralf Rangnick next season. Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag of Ajax have, however, been sounded out as the favourites.
But following the news that Chelsea are to be banned from selling tickets and merchandise, offering new contracts, signing new players, selling players and spending more than £20,000 on travelling to and from fixtures, Tuchel's future at Stamford Bridge has been thrown into doubt. The German is an elite-level manager and the sanctions imposed, which are in place, for now, until May 31, could make his job an impossible one.
READ MORE: Roman Abramovich blocked from selling Chelsea FC as Government sanctions leave club in limbo
Therefore, it is no surprise that some United supporters, following Thursday morning's big news, have immediately called on the club to take advantage of Chelsea's current predicament and lure Tuchel to Old Trafford. Tuchel has done a terrific job at Stamford Bridge since replacing Frank Lampard in January last year and his achievements cannot be ignored.
He guided the club to a top-four finish last season and also won them the Champions League, whilst winning the Super Cup and Club World Cup this term. Therefore, it is no surprise that United interim chief Rangnick, who arrived at Old Trafford in November, hailed his fellow countryman at his United unveiling.
"To do what Thomas did in four months at Chelsea was incredible," Rangnick said, speaking back in December. "If anyone had told Marina (Granovskaia) or Roman (Abramovich) what would happen or they had looked into a crystal ball to see what would happen in the next four months…incredible.
"To win the Champions League, finish fourth in the league, and now be towards the top of the league with almost the same players, is a big achievement. I am not sure I can say that things will develop in the same way for me at Manchester United."
Tuchel is a huge fan of Rangnick and the United manager played a key role in shaping the Chelsea boss' career in coaching. Therefore, with United still on the hunt for a new boss, Rangnick could, in his upcoming consultancy role, try and convince the club to raid Chelsea for the German.
However, at this stage, it is impossible to predict what will happen to Chelsea. As outlined above, the sanctions will be in place until May 31 at least, with it currently a mystery what will happen beyond that date.
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