Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique cheekily responded: “Is it April Fool’s Day?” when previously questioned about the Manchester United job. Following United’s dismissal of Ruben Amorim, speculation has intensified regarding potential successors for the Old Trafford managerial role. Enrique has emerged as a possible contender after suggestions surfaced that the Spaniard may not renew his deal with the Ligue 1 champions.
Yet when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departed United in November 2021, Enrique, who was managing Spain at the time, swiftly dismissed any connection to the vacancy. His name had been circulating in the media as a potential appointment. Latest reports suggest Enrique might depart the Parc des Princes when his deal expires this summer, reportedly seeking a new challenge elsewhere. Should this prove accurate, the 55-year-old would become available from June onwards.
Nevertheless, judging by his tongue-in-cheek yet firm response to the speculation in 2021, United may face considerable difficulty should they attempt to attract the former Barcelona manager.
Adding to United’s potential disappointment, suggestions of his departure from the French capital have already been dismissed by the club’s hierarchy. When Canal+ asked PSG sporting director Luis Campos about the speculation on Tuesday, he responded bluntly: “100% fake news.”
Enrique’s tenure at PSG has been remarkably successful. He has secured two league championships, lifted the Coupe de France twice and claimed the Champions League trophy in 2025.
This marks his second European Cup victory as a manager, having previously secured the trophy with Barcelona in 2015. During his tenure with the Catalan club, he also claimed two La Liga championships.
At present, PSG remain competitive across all domestic cup tournaments, occupy second place in Ligue 1, and sit third in the Champions League standings with two league phase fixtures remaining.
PSG kicked off the new year with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Paris FC. Following the match, Enrique expressed his determination to secure further honours in the French capital.
“We came back to the Parc with a victory,” he said. “I hope we win as many trophies in 2026. That’s our goal, which is ambitious, of course, but I think that everyone in this team, club, and our supporters are ambitious, too. We want to win trophies and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
Amorim received notification of his dismissal on Monday morning and departed United with immediate effect. His tenure concluded with a modest record of just 24 victories from 63 matches.
United are believed to have conducted discussions with Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy regarding assuming the role temporarily until the season’s conclusion, although the latter is reportedly no longer under consideration.
Solskjaer emerges as a frontrunner after indicating his willingness to return to Old Trafford. Darren Fletcher will assume caretaker responsibilities and will oversee proceedings from the dugout for Wednesday evening’s fixture against Burnley.