Manchester United are considering four leading names as the club ‘step up’ their pursuit of a new manager ahead of next season.
United are currently conducting a search for the club’s next permanent manager, having placed Ralf Rangnick in interim charge until the end of the current campaign.
Heading the Red Devils’ shortlist of candidates are Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui with The Athletic reporting that the focus will be on coaches with experience of managing major European sides.
Pochettino has long been linked with the position at Manchester United and has previous experience in the Premier League after a spell with Tottenham, but the Red Devils would need to reach an agreement with the Argentina’s current side, Paris Saint-Germain.
Ten Hag has won admirers for his work with Ajax with the Eredevisie side on course for a fourth consecutive league title, whilst the Dutchman has impressed in turning the club into a competitive force on the Champions League stage.
Luis Enrique – currently in charge of the Spain national side – won a treble during his reign at Barcelona in 2014/15, but could be difficult to prise from La Roja given the Qatar World Cup takes place later this year.
Lopetegui also fits the bill for managing high-profile outfits with his coaching career having included spells at Real Madrid and current side Sevilla.
United moved back into the Premier League’s top four with a late win over West Ham this weekend and will hope Rangnick can secure Champions League qualification ahead of the appointment of a new permanent manager for the 2022/23 campaign.
