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Not Thomas Tuchel: Declan Rice lauds Man United promising head coach candidate

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 8:35 AM ET

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised a Premier League manager who has been linked with the Manchester United job, a list that also includes current England boss Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel is considered a possible successor to Ruben Amorim as the next permanent manager of Manchester United this summer.

Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are known admirers of the 52-year-old. The German manager had even been approached for the role during Erik ten Hag’s time in charge but did not move forward with it then.

He decided against joining United after Ineos’ end-of-season review kept Ten Hag in place until his eventual dismissal.

Instead, the former Chelsea and PSG manager took over from Gareth Southgate as England head coach in 2025.

What Declan Rice said about Andoni Iraola after Arsenal beat Bournemouth

Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Andoni Iraola has been mentioned as a potential option to take over as United manager following the end of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

Declan Rice, who knows Tuchel well from their time together with England, recently went up against Bournemouth and Iraola in league play.

Arsenal came away with a 3-2 win at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday, and Rice, while speaking to Sky Sports, took notice of how Iraola set up his side.

“We were one-nil down to Bournemouth, a really good half.

“It was hard, the manager is amazing [with] the way they press [and] the way they run.

“So, to go there and win, after not the best first-half performance, but [the] second half [was] much improved. It was massive and where you can chip in and help the team, I think it’s massive.”

Andoni Iraola could emerge as a stronger option for Manchester United

England brought in Tuchel as head coach in 2024, giving him an 18-month contract, and he remains under contract through the 2026 World Cup.

Manchester United may have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup in North America before they can even begin official talks with the German manager.

Tuchel’s deal runs out after that tournament, and there is no indication yet if the FA plans to offer him an extension beyond then.

If United wait until late into the World Cup to try and secure him, only for Tuchel to then renew his England deal, it could leave them without their top choice and scrambling for alternatives.

Iraola, like Tuchel, has plenty of Premier League experience and might represent a more practical option for United by season’s end.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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