Jorge Mendes Championed Julen Lopetegui for Manchester United Managerial Position
Cristiano Ronaldo's former agent, Jorge Mendes, actively advocated for Julen Lopetegui to take over the Manchester United managerial role back in 2021. This recommendation came following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Mendes pushing for the experienced Spanish coach to step into the high-profile position at Old Trafford.
Lopetegui's Current Ambitions and Premier League Aspirations
Julen Lopetegui, who currently serves as the head coach of the Qatar national team, has now openly expressed his desire to return to the Premier League in the future. In a recent interview with World Soccer, Lopetegui confirmed that one of his primary career objectives is to secure another managerial role in England's top flight.
"Why not? For sure, one of my aims in the future is to come back to the Premier League again," Lopetegui stated. "But now we have a big, big aim in front of us – to go to one World Cup. My dream."
Manchester United's Current Managerial Situation and Future Plans
Manchester United are presently under the caretaker management of Michael Carrick, who has impressively guided the team to five victories in six matches, maintaining an undefeated record. Carrick is set to remain in charge until the end of the season, with the club expected to finalise their permanent managerial appointment during the summer transfer window.
The World Cup schedule is anticipated to influence the timing of this decision, as several potential candidates, including Lopetegui, are currently engaged in international duties. Carrick himself has voiced his enthusiasm for potentially securing the permanent role, describing it as his ultimate ambition.
"It's not a stock answer - for me, it's the ultimate role. I'm really enjoying it, I love what I'm doing. I'm fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it's not the fact that I believe I can do it and I'm here to do it," Carrick told BBC Sport.
Lopetegui's Managerial Career and Mendes' Influence
Julen Lopetegui boasts a diverse managerial portfolio, having previously led clubs such as Real Madrid, Wolves, and West Ham United. His tenure at Sevilla was particularly notable, during which Jorge Mendes was actively promoting his candidacy for the Manchester United job.
Despite Mendes' strong advocacy, Lopetegui ultimately did not make the move to Manchester at that time. Instead, United appointed Ralf Rangnick as caretaker before Erik ten Hag assumed the full-time managerial position. Lopetegui's current focus remains on guiding Qatar through their World Cup campaign, but his comments have reignited speculation about a potential Premier League return.
Potential Candidates for Manchester United's Managerial Role
As Manchester United prepare for their summer managerial hunt, several names have emerged as potential contenders. The club's shortlist is rumoured to include:
- Gareth Southgate: The current England national team manager.
- Oliver Glasner: The Crystal Palace manager, who will face Carrick's United side this weekend.
- Julen Lopetegui: Now back in consideration following his recent statements.
However, many United supporters are rallying behind Michael Carrick, impressed by his immediate impact and tactical acumen. Carrick will face a direct test against fellow candidate Oliver Glasner when Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with both teams vying for crucial points in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
The ongoing managerial speculation underscores the strategic importance of this appointment for Manchester United, as they seek to build on Carrick's promising start and re-establish themselves as consistent title contenders in the Premier League and Europe.
