Luis Enrique is unlikely to become Manchester United’s next manager (Image: Getty Images)
Luis Enrique has dropped the strongest hint yet that a move to Manchester United is not on the cards. Enrique, 55, is in the final year of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and has been linked with a vacancy at Old Trafford looming. Michael Carrick will remain in charge until the end of this season and although the former United midfielder has impressed, there is no confirmation yet that he has been handed the role permanently.
In a crowded managerial market, Enrique’s background with Barcelona and PSG, and his Champions League wins with both clubs, makes him an outstanding candidate. But the chances of United luring him away from the French capital always seemed remote, and those hopes have now been further dashed. Enrique revealed in a press conference on Wednesday that he and PSG sporting director Luis Campos have already started planning for the summer.
When asked about the summer transfer window, Enrique said: “There will be small adjustments, just like last year.” “We’re not going to sign many players.”
Additionally, the Spaniard is reportedly in talks to extend his contract with PSG, which would see him stay at the Parc des Princes until 2030. Enrique is aiming for more wins in the Champions League this season and must first defeat Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
United, meanwhile, have not featured in Europe’s top competition since 2023, but Carrick has them on track to easily qualify. Two wins from the remaining six games would seal their place in next season’s Champions League and greatly strengthen the case for Old Trafford to retain Carrick permanently.
The 44-year-old, who replaced Ruben Amorim, remains cautious about his future but hinted he is keen to stay after Saturday’s decisive 1-0 win over Chelsea. “I love being here,” Carrick told TNT Sports.
Michael Carrick is set to sign permanent job at Manchester United (Image: Getty)
“I understand the situation, but it’s out of my control. I want to be a part of a night like this, I want to be part of something special, I want to make the team. There’s no deadline (for a decision) yet.”
Former teammate Owen Hargreaves claimed it would be “absolutely ridiculous” not to secure the role permanently for Carrick, who has undergone a remarkable transformation since Amorim left the team in January. “Cara understands the players and that’s probably why he’s here,” Hargreaves explained after the game.
“He understands the pressure of playing for this football club. He puts the players in the right positions where they need to play to be successful and excel in all abilities.”
“So to give it to him and then not give it to him at a time when you probably weren’t expecting it would be just ridiculous. I think today solidified that.”
“If they hadn’t won today and qualified for the Champions League, we could have had an argument and brought in more experienced players. After today, if he finishes third, I don’t understand why he wasn’t given that place. It would make no sense at all.”
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