Published: 02:00, 2 February 2026 | Updated: 02:00, 2 February 2026

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...