Luis Enrique has been linked with becoming Manchester United’s head coach, but Paris Saint-Germain manager is close to signing a new contract with the Champions League holders
Luis Enrique is set to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain (Image: Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is reportedly inching closer to signing a new contract with the Champions League holders, with hopes of a move to Manchester United this summer dashed. The Spaniard has been named as one of the leading candidates to replace Ruben Amorim on a permanent deal and is reported to have held talks with officials at Old Trafford.
But the former Barcelona manager is said to be on the brink of putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal with the Parisians chasing another historic campaign with his eyes firmly set on the French title and glory for Europe’s elite. Enrique’s current contract in the French capital expires at the end of next season, but it has been suggested that he is not concerned about the hierarchy at the club if negotiations are extended into the summer.
Ben Jacobs reports that the 55-year-old is close to signing a new four-year contract with Parc des Princes. This follows reports in February that Enrique wanted to remain on the continent rather than jump into Premier League management.
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At the time, it was reported that he had doubts about taking over a club that could miss out on next season’s Champions League qualification. But it was even more satisfying that, thanks to Michael Carrick’s efforts, United secured a return to Europe’s elite competition and further cemented their status with a 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool.
According to ESPN, Enrique has been approached by United, who are looking to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2022. However, the Spanish manager was managing the Spanish national team at the time and insisted he would not relinquish his role at La Roja until after the Qatar World Cup in winter 2022.
His attitude left the club in a difficult position over a permanent manager, unable to operate without leadership for 12 months, and led to the sacking of Solskjær in November 2021 and then bringing in Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis.
Luis Enrique is reportedly set to sign a new contract with PSG (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino emerged as the final two managerial candidates before the Dutchman won.
Former United midfielder Carrick continues to resist being drawn into public speculation about his future. Nevertheless, speaking before this weekend’s game against Sunderland, the former Middlesbrough boss admitted it was important to clarify the situation at Old Trafford, but insisted the decision was not his to make.
He said: “Clarity is important… We finished well and put ourselves in a good position and I think it’s a natural time given the situation of my role and how things are going to play out. It was always talked about towards the end of the season, if not towards the end of the season.
“At this stage, we just have to put our players in a position to finish the season strong. And like I’ve said all along, I’m calm about it. We’ll figure it out when we figure it out. It’s out of my hands, so we’ll see what happens.”
United could face PSG in next season’s Champions League. At that point, the French side could win the competition for the second time in a row if they defeat Arsenal at the end of May and defend the title they won with a commanding victory over Inter Milan in Munich 12 months ago.
Next year’s tournament will mark Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2023/24 season, and the first taste of a revamped competition that includes expanded league stages and the abolition of separate groups.
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