Luis Enrique Faces Awkward Reunion If He Takes Man Utd Manager Job
Luis Enrique could face an awkward reunion with one player if he takes charge at Manchester United.
The Paris Saint-Germain boss has been linked as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese was sacked as head coach by United on Monday.
Darren Fletcher is taking temporary charge of the side, with United in talks with fellow former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick over an interim role until the end of the season.
According to The Athletic, Ruud van Nistelrooy is another option to reprise the role he filled for four games after the sacking of Erik ten Hag in 2024.
Advert
Attention appears likely to turn towards a long-term successor to Amorim in the summer, with the Portuguese boss having notably struggled last term after replacing Ten Hag mid-season.
Oliver Glasner, Kieran McKenna and Andoni Iraola are among the managers to be hotly linked with the post.
Glasner would not require a significant compensation fee to be paid as he is out of contract at Crystal Palace in June - a situation which may appeal to United's hierarchy.
The 20-time English champions shelled out a reported figure of around £10 million to Ten Hag and his staff after they gave the Dutchman a new contract before sacking him three months later.
While The Athletic claim that United will be required to pay compensation to Amorim in full as per his contract terms.
But if minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to pursue a manager who is currently in work, one potential option would be Enrique.
The Spaniard told FourFourTwo in 2013 that he wants to manage in England during his career, and has previously been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool.
Whether he would leave Champions League holders PSG to join a team in United's position, regardless of club stature, is another matter, however.
United dealt directly with PSG in August 2024 in signing midfielder Manuel Ugarte for an initial fee of around £42.7 million.
Enrique sanctioned the move, telling reporters during the window that he was going to 'let go of those we no longer count on'.
The Uruguayan joined PSG from Sporting in the summer of 2023, but spent just a sole season in France, making 25 Ligue 1 appearances.
However, it was clear that Enrique did not see him as a long-term part of his plans, with Ugarte linked with a transfer away for most of the summer before he joined United.
Should Enrique make the unlikely move to Old Trafford, he would no doubt have to have an awkward conversation with the 24-year-old midfielder.
A decision over his future may be made imminently, however, with Dutch outlet VI reporting that Ajax want to sign him on loan in January and the player himself is 'not averse' to the move.
Topics: Luis Enrique, Premier League, Football, Ligue 1, Man Utd, PSG
Ryan Smart