Multiple sources have revealed that Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique was one of the leading candidates to take over as Manchester United manager at the end of the season. However, similar to previous major candidates Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti, the Spanish coach will reject United’s offer and sign a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain, forcing the Red Devils to look elsewhere once again.
Sources from Paris insist that Enrique will sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain after his current deal expires in 2027. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been traveling between Qatar in recent weeks due to the conflict in neighboring Iran to ensure his family’s safety, and he also hopes to secure Enrique’s long-term future.
Insiders claim that signing Spanish prodigy Dro Fernández ahead of other top European clubs was intended to convince Enrique that Paris Saint-Germain fully supports his long-term plans in the French capital.
It is understood that Manchester United’s interest in Enrique comes from CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox, while the club’s Ineos owners are believed to prefer appointing Michael Carrick – at least on an interim basis – if the former midfielder can lead the team back to the Champions League. The general view is that if Carrick can achieve this, he deserves more time to drive lasting change.
Club sources insist that no contact has been made with any candidates yet, as they feel everything is going well at the moment and do not want to cause any unnecessary disruption. No decision will be made until the end of the season, by which time Enrique will most likely have withdrawn from the race.
The former Barcelona manager does have ambitions to coach in the Premier League one day, but the 55-year-old has plenty of time to fulfill these aspirations. He is fluent in English and, with his experience against English teams, he would quickly adapt to the Premier League.
A source added that Pep Guardiola’s future could influence Enrique’s considerations. The two previously worked together at Barcelona, and who replaces Guardiola as Manchester City manager when he ultimately decides to leave will be crucial for Enrique. If Guardiola stays for another year to see out his contract, as many insiders believe, then Manchester City will also be looking for another elite head coach, one who has won the Champions League at least once.
