Manchester United are unlikely to appoint Thomas Tuchel or Mauricio Pochettino if they sack Erik ten Hag, sources have told ESPN.
Tuchel and Pochettino have been among the candidates considered as possible replacements if United decide to part ways with Ten Hag.
Tuchel's representatives were sounded out before the end of the season and further meetings have taken place over the past two weeks.
However, sources have told ESPN that Tuchel is no longer in the running to replace Ten Hag if there is a vacancy at Old Trafford.
There are concerns he may not be the right candidate for United's new structure and, according to a source, incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth wants a coach who will say “yes” rather than someone who will challenge the recruitment department over the team composition.
The decision to interrupt talks has been described as “mutual.”
A source told ESPN that United have also cooled the idea of signing Pochettino, who is a free agent after leaving Chelsea, and that the Argentine is now seen as an outsider.
In addition to Tuchel and Pochettino, United have also contacted Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi.
One candidate, Kieran McKenna, has decided to stay at Ipswich Town after agreeing a new long-term contract at Portman Road, while another, Gareth Southgate, has indicated he is only focused on leading England to Euro 2024, which begins in Germany on Friday. .
United are hoping to conclude their end-of-season review this week, although club sources insist there is no set timeframe for the process.
Ten Hag, according to a source, does not yet know if he will continue as coach.
Sources told ESPN that United remain convinced they are on the right track with their summer plans despite delaying a decision on the manager's position. Club bosses have assured representatives of senior players that efforts to strengthen the squad are underway, even as Ten Hag's future is up in the air.
Sources have told ESPN that head coach Jason Wilcox, director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves and chief scout Steve Brown are working on ins and outs.
Both Hargreaves and Brown have spoken to clubs and representatives over the past week amid efforts to bring in new players.
Priority is being given to forwards and centre-backs, although shortlists of targets have been drawn up for all positions.
Doubts continue about Ten Hag's future as sports director of INEOS. Sir Dave Brailsford leads a comprehensive end-of-season review, which has now been extended into a third week.
Sources told ESPN that representatives of several current players have approached United to inquire about the status of the review, Ten Hag's position and progress in the transfer market.
A representative for one player told ESPN that no decision will be made about his future until it is known who will be the coach next season. United remain confident of a positive summer, although sources told ESPN that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and interim chief executive Jean Claude-Blanc admitted to staff that the recruitment department “won't be at full speed” until Ashworth is in office. position as sports director.
Sources have told ESPN that United hope to increase their summer budget by agreeing permanent transfers for Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. The club will consider offers of around £40 million ($51 million) for Sancho and Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Getafe respectively.
There has been significant loan interest for both players, but sources have told ESPN that United are pushing for permanent deals.
