The search for Manchester United's next permanent manager has taken an intriguing turn, with Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique once again linked to the vacancy—only for his current employers to deliver a swift and firm rebuttal.
Enrique's Past Dismissal and Current Speculation
Luis Enrique was famously dismissive when asked about the Manchester United job back in November 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal. The then-Spain manager responded with a sarcastic "Is it April Fool's Day?" to quash the rumours. Fast forward to January 2026, and fresh conjecture has emerged suggesting the 55-year-old could leave the French champions this summer as his contract winds down, ostensibly putting him in the frame for the Old Trafford hotseat.
This speculation gained traction after United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday morning. The Portuguese coach's tenure ended after just 63 matches, with a modest record of 24 victories. The club's decision has inevitably sparked a flurry of names being connected with one of football's most high-pressure roles.
PSG's Firm Stance and Enrique's Success
Any hopes United might have of a straightforward pursuit, however, appear to have been dashed by PSG's hierarchy. When questioned about the fresh rumours linking his manager to Manchester on Tuesday, PSG's sporting director Luis Campos was unequivocal in his response to Canal+, branding the stories "100% fake news."
This robust defence is understandable given Enrique's stellar record in the French capital. Since taking charge, he has led PSG to two Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France triumphs, and the coveted UEFA Champions League crown in 2025. This marked his second Champions League victory as a manager, having previously won the competition with Barcelona in 2015, where he also secured two La Liga titles.
Currently, PSG remain competitive on all fronts. They sit second in Ligue 1, are alive in all domestic cup competitions, and hold third place in their Champions League group with just two league phase games left to play.
United's Interim Plans and Enrique's Focus
With the permanent managerial picture cloudy, Manchester United are focusing on short-term solutions. It is understood the club have held talks with former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, as well as ex-player Ruud van Nistelrooy, about taking temporary charge until the season's end. Solskjaer is considered a front-runner for the interim role, having expressed a willingness to return.
For now, Darren Fletcher will lead the team from the dugout, starting with Wednesday evening's Premier League fixture against Burnley.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique's public comments remain firmly focused on his current project. After PSG kicked off 2026 with a 2-1 win over Paris FC, the Spaniard outlined his ambitious goals. "We came back to the Parc with a victory," he said. "I hope we win as many trophies in 2026. That's our goal, which is ambitious, of course, but I think that everyone in this team, club, and our supporters are ambitious, too. We want to win trophies and that's what we're going to try to do."
Judging by his past scepticism and his present employer's fierce protection, Manchester United may need to look elsewhere in their quest to find a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim.
