Luis Enrique has been linked with the Manchester United head coach role, but the Paris Saint-Germain boss is closing in on a new contract with the Champions League holders
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is reportedly edging closer to signing a new contract with the Champions League holders - dashing any hopes of a Manchester United move this summer. The Spaniard had been identified as one of the leading candidates to replace Ruben Amorim on a permanent basis and had reportedly held discussions with Old Trafford officials.
However, the former Barcelona boss is said to be on the brink of putting pen to paper on a fresh four-year deal with the Parisians as they chase another historic campaign with the French title and elite European glory firmly in their sights. Enrique's current contract in the French capital runs out at the end of next season, though it has been suggested that club hierarchy are unconcerned should negotiations extend into the summer.
Ben Jacobs has reported that the 55-year-old is closing in on a new four-year contract at the Parc des Princes. This follows reports in February that Enrique was keen to remain on the continent rather than make the leap into Premier League management.
At the time, it was reported that he harboured doubts about taking over a club that might miss out on Champions League football next season. Yet thanks to the efforts of Michael Carrick, United have secured their return to Europe's elite competition, with the 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool confirming their place all the more satisfying.
According to ESPN, Enrique was sounded out by United in 2022 during their search for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's replacement. However, at that point, the Spaniard was managing Spain and insisted he wouldn't abandon his role with La Roja until after the Qatar World Cup in the winter of 2022.
His stance left the club in a difficult position over a permanent manager and unable to operate without leadership for 12 months, having dismissed Solskjaer in November 2021 before subsequently bringing in Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis.
Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino emerged as the final two candidates for the managerial role before the Dutchman prevailed.
Former United midfielder Carrick has continued to resist being drawn into public speculation about his future. Nevertheless, speaking before this weekend's clash with Sunderland, the ex-Middlesbrough manager acknowledges that clarity on the Old Trafford situation matters but insists the decision isn't his to make.
He said: "Clarity is important... We've finished strong, put ourselves in a good position and the situation of my role and what it looks like moving forward, I think it's just the natural time. It was always spoken about towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season.
"At this stage it's just putting the boys in a place to finish the season strongly and then, as I've said all along, I'm calm about it. It'll get sorted out when it's going to get sorted out. It's out of my hands, so we'll see what happens."
United could potentially face PSG in the Champions League next season. By that point, the French outfit could be two-time champions of the tournament should they manage to defend their title, which they secured in Munich 12 months earlier with a commanding victory over Inter Milan, provided they overcome Arsenal at the end of May.
Next year's tournament will represent United's first taste of the revamped competition which includes an enlarged league phase and the scrapping of separate groups, having secured Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2023/24 campaign.