Manchester United could abandon search for interim manager if ex-Premier League boss becomes available

Michael Carrick’s indefinite spell as caretaker manager of Manchester United got off to a flyer on Tuesday evening, as the Red Devils beat Spanish side Villarreal 2-0 to move a step closer to securing a place in the Champions League knockout stages. 

The former United midfielder stepped in to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked on Sunday, but it is not yet known how long the Englishman will remain in charge of the club.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, his first for the club, gave United victory in Spain, and talk has now turned once again to who may take over as Solskjaer’s permanent successor.

It had been reported that United would appoint an interim manager to take charge until the end of this season, before then approaching their top targets to take over from the start of next term.

Ernesto Valverde was one name linked with the potential interim post, and it is believed that the club have held talks with the former Barcelona boss, who guided the Catalan giants to two La Liga titles between 2017 and 2020.

Now, however, United are believed to be considering ditching their current approach and making a permanent appointment imminently, if their top target can be prised away from his current job.

As per The Guardian, United would consider abandoning plans to put an interim boss in charge for the remainder of the season if Mauricio Pochettino could be tempted away from Paris Saint-Germain.

ex-Spurs boss Pochettino is reportedly United’s top target.

The report suggests that Valverde has been identified as a suitable candidate due to his experience in working with high-profile players, such as Lionel Messi, however Pochettino is their preferred option.

It is also stated that Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers would be another candidate considered for the permanent post, but only if the swoop for Pochettino is to no avail.

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino left the North London club in 2019, less than 12 months after guiding them to their first ever Champions League final.

Since taking over at the Parc des Princes in January of this year, the Argentine has overseen his side triumph in two domestic cups.