As reported by Diario AS, Luis Enrique has ruled himself out of running for the Manchester United managerial post this summer. He is totally focused on the country and the upcoming World Cup competition.
The Spanish manager is one of the high-profile targets who is closely monitored by the Manchester United board.
Following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure from Manchester United last November, Spain’s coach Enrique emerged as a leading contender to follow the Norwegian in the long-term managerial post at Old Trafford.
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is thought to be a frontrunner for the job. Last week, Ten Hag had an interview with the Manchester United board and they were impressed by him.
Mauricio Pochettino is also linked to the prestigious job. He was the early favorite for the United job, with the board confident of signing him.
Luis Enrique, on the other hand, is well regarded in the coaching world, so it’s no wonder he’s being closely monitored. He has amassed an impressive CV in recent years and, despite being contracted to the Spanish national team, is consistently linked to the club.
After coaching La Roja to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and last year’s Nations League final, the former Barcelona midfielder has guided them to next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
His coaching experience includes stints at Celta Vigo, Roma, and Barcelona, where he won three trophies in 2015, including the club’s final Champions League title. But surprisingly, Luis Enrique had other words to say when asked about the links to Manchester United
Just before the pre-match conference on Monday, he said:
“I’ll be in Qatar with Spain because I’ve given my word and there’s nothing that makes me more excited than representing my country at the World Cup. And even more so with this national team and with this federation. I can say it louder, but not more clearly. I am where I want to be.”
With Ralf Rangnick most likely to move to the club counsellor role, the board has a big task in hand to sign a long-term successor.
Luis Enrique has been ruling himself out of the job numerous times in the past. Practically, it does make sense, if Enrique prefers to stay in Spain as the World Cup is near.
It is also being reported that the club will be holding interviews with PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino in the coming days. Erik ten Hag is currently the lone candidate who has given an interview and as things stand, he is the frontrunner for the manager post at Manchester United.
