Interim for Amorim

INEOS sent shockwaves across the Premier League after reaching the decision to sack Ruben Amorim in January after 14 months plagued by turmoil, both on and off the pitch.

Ruben Amorim managerial stats at Man United

Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge of the senior side in his wake, before Michael Carrick was appointed as permanent caretaker until the end of the season.

The former England international has enjoyed a stellar start to life in his second spell as interim boss, picking up three wins on the trot against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

But it has not simply been the results which have impressed the most; rather, it is the changes Carrick has implemented – both in terms of personnel and system – which have caught the eye, with the team looking transformed from the uncertain performances which defined Amorim’s tenure.

United’s plan is to appoint Amorim’s long-term successor at the end of the campaign, as the pool of candidates will grow in the summer.

Nonetheless, INEOS remain intent on sticking to their guns, with a host of top-level candidates in their crosshairs, including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi.

But it’s Enrique who appears to be the early frontrunner, as sources reveal United’s hierarchy met with representatives of the Paris Saint-Germain manager last week.

United launch raid on Paris

As relayed by TEAMtalk, Enrique has quickly emerged as a “primary target” for the Red Devils amid ongoing uncertainty over his future in Paris.

Despite winning an historic treble with the Ligue 1 giants last season, Enrique’s contract at the Parc des Princes expires next year. Talks over an extension are ongoing, but have yet to make a breakthrough.

This window of opportunity has led United to accelerate their interest in an effort to “convince Enrique to reject PSG’s new contract offer.”

The club’s executives are understood to have “met with agent Ivan de la Pena in Paris last week” – who works for the agency which represents the 55-year-old tactician, De la Peña & Sostres.

Final Thoughts

Previously, it was believed that United would prioritise a manager with Premier League experience, given INEOS have been burned twice now by coaches who had not previously worked in England.

But the prospect of handing the keys to a candidate widely recognised as the “best manager in the world” may simply be too good an opportunity for the Red Devils to turn down.

However, The Peoples Person would advise caution, as Enrique remains under contract with the reigning European champions, who will be desperate to keep him in the French capital, regardless of any enticing offers from England.