Thomas Tuchel, newly appointed as Manchester United’s manager, has wasted no time making his mark at Old Trafford. Just a few days into his tenure, Tuchel has stirred controversy by instructing three key players to withdraw from their upcoming international duties in order to focus on intensive team training. This bold move has sparked debates among fans, football pundits, and even the players affected by the decision.
Tuchel, known for his strict tactical methods, was brought in to replace Erik ten Hag after Manchester United’s rocky start to the 2024/25 season. His arrival signals a fresh approach, with the aim of improving the team’s form and establishing greater consistency. One of his first messages to the squad was a direct and unyielding one: “If you’re not ready to give everything for the club, then you have no place here.” This declaration underlines the German manager’s no-nonsense approach and emphasizes the high standards he expects from his players.
The three players asked to remain for additional training instead of joining their national teams are Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Raphaël Varane. All three are essential to Manchester United’s squad, but Tuchel has specific reasons for making this decision.
Bruno Fernandes, who is the team captain and has been a pivotal figure in recent seasons, has been visibly fatigued during key matches. This is largely attributed to the toll of his busy schedule, which includes both club and international commitments. Tuchel sees this as an opportunity to allow Fernandes some recovery time while working to enhance his performance for the club’s upcoming challenges.
Similarly, Marcus Rashford, who has been struggling with inconsistent form, has been included in this decision. Tuchel is focused on helping Rashford regain his attacking sharpness, which has been missing in recent performances. By keeping him in Manchester for a specialized training program, Tuchel hopes to reignite Rashford’s confidence and scoring ability.
As for Raphaël Varane, the French defender has been grappling with fitness issues throughout the season. Tuchel intends to use this training period to improve Varane’s physical endurance, making him more resilient for the demanding fixtures ahead.
While Tuchel’s determination and swift action have drawn admiration from some quarters, his decision has not been without its critics. Fans and national team coaches are naturally concerned about the players missing out on international matches, which hold significant importance for stars like Fernandes and Rashford.
These players, who take pride in representing their countries, may also have mixed feelings about the decision. Despite this, Tuchel remains firm in his approach, emphasizing that club responsibilities take precedence over international duties at this stage of the season.
Tuchel’s track record at Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League, suggests he is no stranger to making tough calls in pursuit of success. He understands the need for unity and laser-like focus within the team, particularly as Manchester United faces critical Premier League and Europa League fixtures.
By keeping his top players grounded in club matters, Tuchel is signaling his intention to transform United into a force to be reckoned with both domestically and in Europe.
As Tuchel ramps up the intensity of training sessions, it is clear that he is willing to challenge even the most established players. Whether this strategy will lead to success or create tensions within the squad remains to be seen.
However, it is evident that Tuchel is not afraid to make bold decisions, even at the risk of controversy. His early days at Manchester United have already been characterized by decisive leadership, and the football world is watching closely to see if his gamble will ultimately pay off.
One thing is certain: Tuchel’s message is clear—Manchester United comes first, and only those who are fully committed to his vision will thrive under his leadership. Time will tell if this approach brings the success that United fans have long been craving.