Contract extension has done little to dampen United’s hunt for CL winner as details of secret clause emerge – report

Manchester United won four games on the trot under Michael Carrick, something the team never managed under Ruben Amorim. They subsequently rescued a late point against West Ham United and are currently on a five-game unbeaten run. The attractive style of play, the utilisation of players in their natural positions, and giving them the freedom to express themselves have seen the Red Devils climb up to fourth in the Premier League table. Champions League qualification is now a very real possibility, and naturally, fans have been yearning for INEOS to hand the caretaker head coach the keys to the kingdom. Thomas Tuchel has signed new deal However, the co-owners are expected to take their time, and the former midfielder is not at the top of their wishlist. Who is? Thomas Tuchel. The England manager’s aura and winning mentality, coupled with other superstar managers dropping out of the race, have meant the German is the preferred candidate to take charge in the summer. However, the 20-time English league champions were rocked by the update that the Three Lions had agreed a contract extension until 2028 with the former Champions League-winning coach. Many had predicted that would put an end to United’s pursuit, but SportsBoom have a different story to tell. Secret clause means United not out of the race As per their report, Tuchel’s new deal contains a break clause, which would see the ex-Chelsea boss depart should England not reach the semi-finals in the US. “Thomas Tuchel is still expected to part company with England this summer if they underperform at the World Cup despite putting pen to paper on a new, extended contract only last week, SportsBoom can reveal. “However, sources close to the England squad believe he is unlikely to remain at the helm beyond the upcoming tournament in North America and Mexico if they fail to reach at least the semi-final stage. “Although its exact contents remain a closely guarded secret, one senior figure with knowledge of the situation last night suggested the agreement Tuchel accepted is likely to contain a break clause, enabling all parties concerned to tear-it up in certain circumstances.” Carrick or Tuchel? INEOS must get decision right Thomas Tuchel getting the United job might be what INEOS want, but the current squad have other ideas, with club skipper Bruno Fernandes setting a summer ultimatum to the board. He will depart if Carrick does not get the permanent gig. An interesting conundrum lies ahead. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25