Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique distance themselves from Man United manager’s job links

Marc Mayo22 November 2021

Two reported candidates for the Manchester United manager’s job have publicly ruled themselves out of contention - Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique.

The Spanish duo were both tipped to be in the Red Devils’ thoughts following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Michael Carrick has been placed in temporary charge with an interim sought to see out the campaign.

It was first claimed that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo had earmarked ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique as his ideal United manager, before the question was put to the Spain coach.

Luis Enrique laughed and replied: “Is today April Fool’s Day?”

The 51-year-old dismissed the notion of leaving his national team before the 2022 World Cup, which Spain qualified for earlier this month.

Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui was also touted for the job after a report by The Athletic stated that agent Jorge Mendes was putting forward his man for the Old Trafford hotseat.

With the LaLiga club in the mix for both the domestic title race and a spot in the Champions League last-16, he also hit back at any suggestion of leaving for England.

“Ask me about the Champions League,” said Lopetegui on Monday.

“The hope we have of winning tomorrow at Wolfsburg does not allow us to talk about absurd things.”

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has also faced questions over a possible move to Manchester since Solskjaer’s exit but was less equivocal in his denial, having reportedly made his desire to move clear in private.

"You keep asking me, yes it is a weird question,” said the Dutchman. “I’ve heard nothing about [United's interest], so I can't think about it."

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