Thomas Tuchel has already shared his Man Utd masterplan in 'secret meeting' with Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Thomas Tuchel has already shared his 'masterplan' for if he becomes Manchester United manager in a secret meeting with club officials, according to a report.

The Manchester Evening News claimed on Monday that United were lining up Tuchel as Erik ten Hag's successor.

The Dutchman has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, particularly after the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford last month.

United were at least more defensively stable in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, but the point means Ten Hag has now overseen the club's worst start to a top flight season since 1990.

And with United currently in 14th place in the Premier League table, with just eight points from their opening seven games, it appears club chiefs are set to act.

They are seemingly about to turn to Tuchel - whom they spoke to in the summer shortly after his departure from Bayern Munich.

According to BILD, United held a 'secret meeting' with Tuchel in Monaco, which saw him lay out his 'masterplan' to minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

It is claimed that he put forward Mason Mount as a player whose situation he could improve at Old Trafford.

He is one of several coaches the club are believed to have spoken to over potentially succeeding Ten Hag following the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Tuchel reportedly turned down an offer to take over at United due to disagreements over transfer policy and the power structure at Old Trafford.

Thomas Tuchel pictured while in charge of Bayern Munich - Getty

Whether those feelings have changed just months on remains to be seen, but the former Chelsea manager - who guided the Blues to the Champions League - is still currently out of work, which is believed to be a key reason why United are pursuing him.

Gareth Southgate and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the other bookmakers' favourites to replace Ten Hag, though David Ornstein claims that former England boss Southgate was never a candidate in the summer and is unlikely to be so this time around.