Thomas Tuchel has 'already identified first signing for Man Utd' if he replaces Erik ten Hag as manager

Thomas Tuchel has reportedly already made a transfer demand to Manchester United's top brass in the event he replaces Erik ten Hag.

United are currently experiencing their worst ever start to the season in the Premier League, occupying 14th place after seven games.

Having been kept on in the summer by new shareholders INEOS, Ten Hag is once again under huge pressure following a five-game winless run.

On Tuesday, United officials, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford, Joel Glazer, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth are reported to have been involved in a seven-hour meeting which is said to have revolved around Ten Hag's future.

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel, who United spoke to in the summer, is believed to be one of the frontrunners for the position if Ten Hag gets the boot.

He has been out of work after leaving Bayern at the end of last season.

Some reports say Tuchel has not had any formal communication about replacing Ten Hag.

Yet a different source, Fichajes, say he has already made a request to the United board.

Image: Getty

The outlet claims Tuchel is keen on securing the signing of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo.

The Uruguayan is currently on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the Copa America in the United States.

He was forced to undergo surgery and is yet to feature for the Blaugrana this season.

The initial timeline for his return was four months but there is optimism that he could be back before then.

Image: Getty

His contract is due to expire in 2026 and Barca are desperate to tie him down to fresh terms.

United signed two centre-backs in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, though the former has been injured and the latter has struggled so far.

Ten Hag is said to be of the view that he still has the backing of United's board after winning two trophies during his tenure.