The search for the next permanent Manchester United manager has taken a dramatic turn as the club’s pursuit of Luis Enrique appears to have hit a significant snag. While the INEOS-led hierarchy reportedly viewed the Spaniard as a “dream” appointment to lead the post-Ruben Amorim era, it seems the Paris Saint-Germain boss has other plans.
Despite intense speculation linking the former Barcelona manager with a move to Old Trafford, the latest reports suggest that Enrique is on the verge of committing his long-term future to the French capital.
The PSG Priority
Luis Enrique has transformed PSG since his arrival in 2023, moving the club away from its “superstar” culture and delivering their first-ever Champions League title last season. With the Parisians currently chasing back-to-back European crowns—leading Bayern Munich 5-4 after a thrilling semi-final first leg—the club has made his extension a top priority.
Reports indicate that PSG are willing to nearly double his salary to €20 million per year, which would make him one of the four highest-paid coaches in world football. The proposed deal would keep him at the Parc des Princes until at least 2029, effectively ending United’s hopes of luring him to the Premier League this summer.
The “Carrick Factor”
While Enrique was seen as the elite “alternative,” his likely stay in Paris has strengthened the hand of interim boss Michael Carrick. The former United midfielder has been a revelation since stepping in for Amorim in January, winning nine of his 13 league games and steering the club to the brink of Champions League qualification.
United currently sit comfortably in third place, 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton with only four games remaining. Many insiders now believe that if Enrique is officially off the table, the job is Carrick’s to lose.
Other Names in the Hat
If United decide to look elsewhere for an external candidate, several other names have surfaced in recent days:
• Andoni Iraola: The Bournemouth boss is reportedly being “strongly considered” by INEOS due to his high-intensity, attacking style of play.
• Julian Nagelsmann: The Germany manager remains a person of interest, though pundits like Jamie Carragher have warned that his World Cup commitments could be a major “red flag” for a club needing immediate pre-season stability.
