“Is today April Fools’ Day?”
Spain manager Luis Enrique has laughed off rumours linking him to the vacant Manchester United manager’s job, insisting he is happy in his current position.
The Spaniard’s comments come after he was linked to the role following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who left his position on Sunday.
It was reported that Cristiano Ronaldo was keen for Enrique to become the new manager, with the Portuguese captain believing that the former Barcelona boss would be the right calibre of coach to enable United to compete at the top end of the table.
The 51-year-old was said to be interested in the job, but he has now dismissed those suggestions after he stated that he is ‘so happy’ with his current job.
Speaking on the rumours, Enrique told La Sexta: “Is today April Fools’ Day?”
The report adds that he is ‘absolutely not planning to leave Spain right now’, and is believed to be ‘so happy’ in charge of the Spain national team.
Luis Enrique on Manchester United links: “Is today April Fools' Day?”, he said to La Sexta. 🔴🇪🇸 #MUFC
Luis Enrique is absolutely not planning to leave Spain right now, and he’s understood to be ‘so happy’ with his current job.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2021
Enrique – who won the treble with Barcelona in 2015 – was thought to be alongside former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and current Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag on United’s shortlist, however, a new favourite has since emerged.
According to Sky Sports, current Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is United’s number one choice to take over as manager next summer.
The Argentine is enjoying a success period in the French capital, having won 38 of his 53 matches in the hot-seat.
PSG also boast a 12-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table, winning 12 of their opening 14 fixtures.
The Parisians are also going well in their Champions League group, accumulating eight points so far – meaning they have a four-point lead over third-placed Club Brugge.
United are long-time admirers of Pochettino, with the 49-year-old having impressed in recent years with his attacking philosophy.
Should the Red Devils fail with their attempts to land their number-one choice, ten Hag is understood to be United’s second choice, as per Sky Sports News.
The report adds that Erik Ten Hag would “100% be interested in the job” in the summer.
Considering that United’s statement confirmed that the club would be ‘looking to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season’, it can be expected that, whoever the Red Devils approach regarding the permanent role, they will not be taking charge until the end of the season.
Related links:
- Behind the scenes details show why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as Man United manager unravelled
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s baffling tactics revealed following dismissal
- Solskjaer rejected offers for more backroom support
