Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has also been linked with a Manchester United appointment as the Red Devils weigh their options with caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
PSG are keen to extend manager Luis Enrique’s contract following interest from Manchester United (Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
Manchester United have suffered a major blow in their search for a new manager, with shortlisted Luis Enrique expected to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain. According to the i newspaper, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is keen to extend Enrique’s contract beyond 2027, which would bring Michael Carrick “closer” to a full-time job.
The signing of Spanish prodigy Doro Fernandes, who was signed ahead of several of Europe’s elite clubs, was reportedly used as a “sweetener” to convince Enrique that PSG were fully committed to his long-term vision. United are thought to have shortlisted Enrique, with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox said to be interested.
Enrique was asked about his future during a brief interaction with supporters last week. The video, which has gone viral online, suggests the 55-year-old wants to maintain the status quo.
read more: Man United’s Kai Rooney’s statement, Wayne and Coleen’s support and heartbreaking updateread more: Manchester United add Arsenal’s Miles Lewis Skelly to summer transfer list
In the video, Enrique stopped his car to sign autographs for supporters, one of whom said: “I hope you stay at PSG for a long time.” The Spanish coach’s reply was revealing: “Me too.”
The same supporter then brought up United and asked: “Not at United?” Enrique laughed at the suggestion.
The report also suggests that Carrick is now “closer” to securing the permanent manager role as a result, with Ineos thought to be open to offering Carrick a full-time role at Old Trafford, albeit initially on a “short-term basis”. The former midfielder has impressed since taking over as manager in January, lifting United to third in the Premier League table with just one defeat.
Manchester United are 3rd in the Premier League (Image: AP)
Follow Man United’s FB page! Keep up with the latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Qualifying for next season’s Champions League is becoming a reality, and even if United do achieve it, Carrick’s claims will be hard to dismiss. Although no announcement is expected before the end of the campaign, it is clear that Enrique could already be out if the club chooses a different path.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has also emerged as another candidate for the Old Trafford position. His contract is due to expire this summer after almost three years at the helm on the south coast.
Iraola established himself impressively in the Premier League, guiding Bournemouth to 12th and 9th place in his first two seasons. Despite losing some key players in the summer, he has put the Cherries on track for a new, secure finish and they currently sit 13th in the table with an 11-game unbeaten run.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
