Thomas Tuchel had reservations about Manchester United’s back-office operation when interviewed by a carousel of executives in 2024. What their new front-of-house management team are achieving two years later could present to the England boss the equivalent of three World Cup signings.
Those misgivings Tuchel harboured still exist, evidenced by pre-match protests against United’s ownership, but what is happening on the pitch right now offers light to the background shade.
And stepping from the shadows are a trio of Englishmen central to the revival – Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo. None of them have played under Tuchel. Until recently, Maguire and Mainoo weren’t playing for United, either.
But in Michael Carrick, the former England midfielder, and Steve Holland, Three Lions assistant for eight years under Gareth Southgate, United’s English cohort have newfound allies. So, by extension, has Tuchel.
The re-emergence of Maguire in the problem position of centre back, in particular, should give the German reason to reconsider his view that the 32-year-old is a former international. Here, he was strong and mobile and marshalled United’s backline during the nine minutes of stoppage-time in which they had to protect a one-goal lead.
In the wake of what proved to be Benjamin Sesko’s 93rd-minute winner, Maguire ran not to join the giddy celebrations of his team-mates, but to the touchline to join a tactical huddle.
Thomas Tuchel will be happy will be pleased with an English trio leading Man United’s revival
Harry Maguire (left), Luke Shaw (middle) and Kobbie Mainoo (right) were all brilliant in the win over Fulham
In the 101st minute, it was he who won a vital header inside the six-yard area. There is something about his forehead that functions as both magnet and mallet.
There was earlier the sliding foul on Raul Jimenez to concede a penalty for Fulham’s first goal, but a slower defender may not have got on terms to make the challenge in the first place.
‘He has come back in after not playing a lot of football,’ said Carrick. ‘But he has done so well. He’s such a big presence. He’s been there, seen it and done it. He has the composure to understand those big moments and not be fazed by it. He gives us the foundation to build on.
‘We’ll see what the future brings in terms of the World Cups, but when he plays like that, he’s certainly one of the best for me.’
To the left of Maguire, Shaw delivered his trademark blend of class and composure. His last England start was the final of Euro 2024. Again, it is an area Tuchel has yet to settle upon.
Several have auditioned, yet none have landed the role. Shaw will be difficult to ignore if maintaining fitness and form in a winning team headed back to the Champions League.
And then there is Mainoo, whose penultimate cap was also in that final defeat by Spain. A month ago, he looked on his way out of Old Trafford. Even at 20 years old, you wondered if his international flame had all but faded in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. But now, there is more than a flicker of renewal. He was certainly incandescent here.
One first-half tackle on Jimenez was so fierce – and fair – that the recipient should have been issued with a boarding pass, such was the altitude to which he was flung.
Michael Carrick (right) said that when Maguire plays like he did against Fulham he is ‘one of the best’
Mainoo was incandescent in a deeper role for United and he reminded Tuchel of his worth
The position is slightly deeper, but on the day England midfielder Jude Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury playing for Real Madrid, Mainoo’s performance was a reminder of his worth.
‘You forget how young he is,’ said Carrick. ‘But we just expect that composure from him when he has the ball, that ability to cope. You can see him playing with confidence.’
Will Tuchel have confidence in three players to whom he has so far turned a blind eye? He should come and take a look at the very least. It might just be that the club he once doubted is now one of his most valuable resources.
