Former boss Luis Enrique has a wealth of admirers at Old Trafford but ’s board feel his role as Spain manager could prevent him from becoming the club’s next appointment.
The Red Devils have already started the process of appointing a new long-term manager at the Theatre of Dreams and boss Erik ten Hag impressed the board during an interview last week.
However, United have vowed to conduct a thorough process and had been expected to be the main competitor to ten Hag, particularly as the club have twice tried to appoint the Argentine in the past.
Pochettino is known to be keen on a move to Old Trafford and he has the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson, who is an admirer of the former Tottenham and Southampton boss.
But the claim Enrique is a serious candidate for the job and that the Spaniard curries more favour at Old Trafford than many people seem to realise.
Enrique guided Barcelona to a historic treble during his first season at the Camp Nou, taking the Catalans to victory in the Champions League final against Juventus along the way.
He won another La Liga title before departing the club and he now manages his country, with Enrique taking Spain to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
But it’s Enrique’s role that is complicating United’s interest in the Spaniard as he’s unwilling to leave his role with the national side before the World Cup is complete midway through next season.
United want their new man to be in place for the start of next season, with the board keen to end the uncertainty over the club’s future as soon as possible.
One option could be to allow Ralf Rangnick to continue as interim manager until the World Cup concludes, before stepping aside for Enrique.
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