Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with the Champions League holders, effectively ending Manchester United's hopes of securing his services this summer. The Spanish tactician had been considered a leading candidate to replace Ruben Amorim on a permanent basis at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting he had held discussions with United officials.
Contract Extension Imminent
According to reports, the former Barcelona boss is close to putting pen to paper on a fresh four-year deal with the Parisians. Enrique's current contract in the French capital runs until the end of next season, but club hierarchy are reportedly unconcerned if negotiations extend into the summer. Ben Jacobs has reported that the 55-year-old is closing in on a new four-year contract at the Parc des Princes, following earlier indications in February that Enrique preferred to remain in continental Europe rather than make the leap into Premier League management.
Manchester United's Managerial Search
Enrique had been identified as one of the leading candidates to take over at Manchester United on a permanent basis. However, it was previously reported that he harbored doubts about taking over a club that might miss out on Champions League football next season. Thanks to the efforts of interim manager Michael Carrick, United secured their return to Europe's elite competition with a 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool, confirming their place in the revamped tournament.
According to ESPN, Enrique was sounded out by United in 2022 during their search for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's successor. At that time, the Spaniard was managing Spain and insisted he would not abandon his role with La Roja until after the Qatar World Cup in the winter of 2022. His stance left the club in a difficult position, unable to operate without permanent leadership for 12 months after dismissing Solskjaer in November 2021 and bringing in Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis.
Michael Carrick's Future
Former United midfielder Carrick has continued to resist being drawn into public speculation about his future. Speaking before this weekend's clash with Sunderland, the ex-Middlesbrough manager acknowledged that clarity on the Old Trafford situation matters but insisted the decision is not his to make. He said: "Clarity is important... We've finished strong, put ourselves in a good position and the situation of my role and what it looks like moving forward, I think it's just the natural time. It was always spoken about towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season. At this stage it's just putting the boys in a place to finish the season strongly and then, as I've said all along, I'm calm about it. It'll get sorted out when it's going to get sorted out. It's out of my hands, so we'll see what happens."
Potential Champions League Clash
United could potentially face PSG in the Champions League next season. By that point, the French outfit could be two-time champions of the tournament should they manage to defend their title, which they secured in Munich 12 months earlier with a commanding victory over Inter Milan, provided they overcome Arsenal at the end of May. Next year's tournament will represent United's first taste of the revamped competition, which includes an enlarged league phase and the scrapping of separate groups, having secured Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2023/24 campaign.
