Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager should the club decide on a change.

He is understood to have the requisite profile as an accomplished tactician with vast experience of working in major clubs. Tuchel is a free agent having just finished with Bayern Munich and has previously led clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, the latter position meaning the German has a track record in the Premier League.

There is confidence at United that he has the temperament to handle seasoned players and an admiration of a CV that includes winning the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls United’s football policy, is leading the process of identifying potential replacements for Ten Hag in conjunction with his key lieutenant, Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean Claude-Blanc, the acting chief executive, and Jason Wilcox, the technical director.

A decision on Ten Hag’s future will be taken after Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, who is a target for Chelsea and Brighton, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, the England manager, Gareth Southgate, and Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea on Tuesday, are also on the shortlist.