Revealed: The five foreign coaches Man Utd will pick from as interim boss
Manchester United are planning to have a new interim boss in place ‘as soon as possible’ – and will select from five options, claims a report.
The Red Devils are in the process of recruiting a new manager to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian was axed after an unacceptable run of form which resulted in seven losses in his last 13 games in charge. However, life is already looking up after an important win under caretaker boss Michael Carrick at Villarreal.
Still, that wasn’t enough for Paul Scholes, who still questioned the club and their decision to sign two players.
However, ignoring the criticisms, the club are embarking on the process of first recruiting an interim manager. That man will likely guide the club through til May when a permanent successor takes over.
As per the Daily Telegraph, that list stands at five names in total. That hunt is being led by director of football John Murtough – and he hopes to have a new man in place before the end of this week.
At the top of the list of preferred candicates is Ralf Rangnick.
The 63-year-old is currently working at Lokomotiv Moscow as their head of sport and development.
Ragnick has a fine track record in management, having done tremendous jobs at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
He also has the credentials to earn the job on a permanent basis, such are his coaching influences. He also brings with him a certain assurity and calmness; exactly what United need to navigate through their current choppy waters.
There remains a slight concern he could step a little on the toes of Murtough, and his role would need clearly defining before any appointment is made.
Man Utd discuss vacancy with Valverde
United are also in talks with former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.
The 57-year-old has an excellent footballing CV; the Spaniard winning two LaLiga titles and one Copa del Rey while in charge of Barcelona.
He also won a couple of Greek titles during two separate spells in charge of Olympiacos. The former forward has also managed Athletic Bilbao (twice), as well as Villarreal, Valencia and Espanyol.
But his last job was with the Catalans between May 2017 and January 2020. Barca sacked him midway through the 2019-2020 campaign and he’s been out of work ever since.
Others in the fray are former Lyon boss Rudi Garcia, while ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Lucian Favre is also under consideration.
Paulo Fonseca a contender for Man Utd role
Perhaps the most surprising option is that of former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.
He was interview by Tottenham over the summer and was close to the job before a late change of heart.
They eventually opted for Nuno Espirito Santo; his reign proving extremely short-lived.
Fonseca was also one of the options considered by Newcastle prior to their appointment of Eddie Howe.
The Portuguese coach reportedly held several rounds of talks with the Magpies. Indeed, one report outlined five signings he had recommended making in January.
And while he’s keen to move to the Premier League, a United move for the Portuguese – albeit on a temporary basis – would come as a surprise.
United, however, do want a new man coming in to see them through until May.
While Carrick is well respected at Old Trafford, he’s unlikely to see the job through beyond this weekend.
United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in what could prove the final match of Carrick’s caretaker spell in charge.
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