Manchester United are on the hunt for a new manager after dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following last weekend’s disastrous 4-1 defeat to Watford, which left the Old Trafford club 8th in the Premier League table.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant manager’s role, with some reports even claiming that talks have already been held with the Argentinian’s representatives.
Michael Carrick, who has been a part of the senior coaching team at Manchester United since retiring in 2018, is temporarily taking charge of the side until a long-term appointment can be made.
Although a large section of the club’s support would favour a move for Pochettino, there are now claims that the former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde could assume responsibility on an interim basis.
That’s according to The Guardian, who add that Manchester United have held talks with Valverde over the vacant position. Furthermore, he is said to have spoken to John Murtough about how he can add to the playing squad.
Read more: Steve Bruce keen on replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man Utd
SN’s verdict on the latest reports…
To no-one’s surprise, the speculation surrounding Manchester United’s managerial situation has already spiralled and there are new names being thrown into the mix each day.
Manchester United made their intention of installing an interim manager until the end of the season very clear in their statement on Solskjaer’s departure and that’s where Valverde could potentially come into play.
Fabrizio Romano, the journalist and transfer specialist, also weighed in on the situation by easing fears that Valverde is seen as a long-term option.
…to be clear, Ernesto Valverde would only be considered as ‘interim’ option – in case Manchester United won’t be able to appoint a permanent manager right now like Pochettino or Rodgers. 🔴 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2021
Pochettino is currently under contract at Paris Saint-Germain and thus, waiting until the summer to make a move could ease the burden of buying out his contract with the French giants.
Valverde has been out of a job since leaving Barcelona in early 2020 and would therefore not come with the same financial risks as a mid-season move for Pochettino.
Of course the Glazers are going to be looking at cheeper options instead of just paying Pochs 10 million buy out from his Current PSG contract.
It would be in everyone’s best interest to get the deal done now rather then wait till the end of the season
It could be better to say a buy out close of Pochettino and be the full manger