In a potential setback for Manchester United’s managerial ambitions, reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain are urgently preparing to extend the contract of their highly regarded manager, Luis Enrique. This move comes amid mounting speculation linking the Spaniard with a move to Old Trafford.
Enrique, currently under contract with PSG until 2027, has been a resounding success in Paris, leading the French club to their inaugural Champions League triumph last season. His tenure has been further gilded by a treble in 2024/25. However, despite these achievements, PSG are second in the Ligue 1 standings, trailing RC Lens.
The former Spain and Barcelona manager has emerged as the primary candidate for the United job following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January. With Michael Carrick currently serving as interim manager, United’s top brass are keen on securing a “proven winner” to take the helm, and few fit the bill quite like Enrique.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hopes of luring Enrique to Manchester may well be dashed should the Spaniard decide to extend his stay with PSG. According to French publication L’Equipe, there is now a pressing urgency from the Parisians to secure Enrique’s services until 2030, in order to stave off incessant interest from Premier League suitors.
Michael Carrick, meanwhile, continues to make a strong case for himself as a formidable alternative. Having won four out of four matches since stepping in, Carrick has succeeded in reinvigorating the Red Devils. His simplistic but effective approach, focusing on a solid back four and quick, direct football, has propelled United to fourth in the Premier League, just behind the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Under Carrick’s stewardship, Bruno Fernandes has flourished in his favoured No.10 role, contributing decisively to United’s recent run of results. Despite these promising developments, Carrick’s appointment as a permanent solution remains a contentious issue, cautionary whispers of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s interim tenure still echoing in the minds of United supporters.
The Manchester United hierarchy remains undetermined, likely waiting until season’s end to make a definitive decision. Enrique’s potential availability, should he decide against renewing with PSG, is likely to strongly impact this decision.
As it stands, United fans, optimistic yet wary, eagerly await the club’s decisive move. Whether they rally behind Carrick or set their sights on a bigger name like Enrique, only time will tell.