Manchester United have held discussions with former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde about becoming their interim head coach, with Mauricio Pochettino remaining the club's primary target for a permanent appointment. The 57-year-old Spaniard, who is currently out of work, has spoken with United's football director John Murtough about taking over on a temporary basis until the end of the season.
Valverde won La Liga twice and the Copa del Rey during his tenure at Barcelona from 2017 to 2020. It is understood that United believe his experience managing Lionel Messi would enable him to comfortably handle the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at the club. Valverde has already begun identifying potential signings to strengthen the squad should he be appointed.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær was dismissed on Sunday, with Michael Carrick taking over as caretaker on a match-to-match basis. The club's stated plan is to bring in an interim manager now before making a permanent appointment in the close season. However, United are ready to abandon that strategy if they can secure Pochettino from Paris Saint-Germain immediately. Pochettino, the current favourite, declined to confirm he would see out his PSG contract, which runs until 2023, when asked on Tuesday.
Valverde is one of five candidates on the list for the interim role, with Leicester City's Brendan Rodgers also regarded as a contender for the permanent job. Valverde, who has managed six clubs since 2002 and won trophies with Olympiakos and Athletic Bilbao, expressed interest in working in England in a June interview, stating: 'You get the feeling that there's a respect there for what the game is.'
Pochettino, speaking ahead of PSG's Champions League match against Manchester City, said: 'Football is today, football is not tomorrow. There is nothing in tomorrow.' He added: 'I am so happy for Paris Saint-Germain.' City manager Pep Guardiola defended Pochettino's credentials, remarking: 'You can be a top manager without titles, of course.'
