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Thomas Tuchel who recently scored the job as England’s new manager, has admitted he turned down the Manchester United job.
Tuchel was one of the coaches linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, as Erik ten Hag continues to deal with uncertainty around his job.
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The former Chelsea and PSG boss is believed to have held talks with United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in the summer.
However, Tuchel has opted to take over the Three Lions job, becoming just the third non-Englishman to do so.
When asked why he took the role instead of holding out for the United job, Tuchel explained: “The idea and the way John [McDermott] and Mark [Bullingham] presented it was very fast and confidential.
“It was very straightforward, it was a decision for this job and not against anything else.”
Tuchel also said he is “sorry I have a German passport” when asked about becoming only the third non-British permanent head coach of the England men’s team, after some observers said the job should have gone to an English candidate.
He has been tasked with guiding England’s men to the 2026 World Cup, where they will attempt to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.
“Nothing is impossible in sports,” Tuchel told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
“The federation is there, the women did it, the under-21s did it, so there is no reason [we can’t].
“At some point we have to free ourselves from history, we have to focus on the process and this will start from January.”
The Champions League winner also explained he was initially unsure about making the switch from club to international football but added he is excited to work with a “very special and exciting group of players”.
In June, Tuchel ruled himself out of the running to take over at Manchester United – it was understood that he met Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in France.
