Manchester United are reportedly leaning away from Luis Enrique as a candidate to become the club’s new head coach over one key concern – and it calls into question the decision-makers at Old Trafford yet again. Best Coach in the World Enrique, 55, was officially recognised as the best manager in the world by FIFA in December after leading Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble last season. The Ligue 1 giant has enjoyed almost complete dominance domestically since the arrival of their Qatari owners in 2012. But success in the Champions League has consistently evaded them, with a focus on signing the biggest names, rather than the best players, hindering the team. Enrique has overseen a cultural reset in the French capital as he bid adieu to Kylian Mbappe, widely considered the world’s leading forward, to instead promote a fluid front three whose skill on the ball was surpassed by their industry off it. PSG were a force of nature at times last season, with their Spanish coach constructing a side as good as any over the past decade in Europe. It’s little wonder, therefore, that United were said to be casting one eye towards the Parc des Princes after the bombshell decision to sack Ruben Amorim last week. Michael Carrick has taken the reins as caretaker manager until the end of the season, with INEOS then expected to appoint a long-term successor to Amorim in the summer. There is zero expectation of Carrick being offered the role full time. A host of coaches have been linked with the United hot seat, both inside and outside of England. But Enrique’s uncertain future in Paris – his contract expires next year – sparked rumours the Spaniard had one eye on Old Trafford as he was “refusing” to sign an extension. INEOS were even believed to be willing to offer control over the sporting operation as part of the plot to lure him to Manchester – a dramatic shift given the dispute which led to Amorim’s dismissal in the first place. Second Thoughts A new report contends United’s rulers are now having second thoughts over the prospect of Enrique taking charge, however – with Premier League pedigree understood to be a key criterion for any new head coach. INEOS have been burned twice now by managers who arrived at the club with clear philosophies, but no experience in English football. As a result, TEAMtalk reports United are “moving away” from the Spanish tactician as an option, with journalist Alex Crook revealing his continental CV will “count against him”. “Luis Enrique keeps getting a mention, but A, he’s still got a job at PSG and B, he’s not proven in the Premier League,” Crook states. “And I do think Premier League experience is quite high on United’s checklist when it comes to potential replacements.” It would be a ludicrous decision for United to turn down the best coach in the world because he is yet to manage in England. The same logic would see the club reject Pep Guardiola prior to his arrival at Manchester City or Jürgen Klopp before he joined Liverpool. INEOS have demonstrated a propensity for the ridiculous since taking the helm at Old Trafford, however, which means an option like Oliver Glasner may just be their preferred choice over the multiple Champions League-winning manager. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
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