Luis Enrique drops biggest hint yet about taking Man Utd job this summer | Football | Sport

Luis Enrique has dropped the strongest hint yet that a move to Manchester United is not on the cards for him. Enrique, 55, has been linked with the impending vacancy at Old Trafford, with the Spaniard entering the final year of his deal at Paris Saint-Germain. Michael Carrick remains at the helm until the end of this season, and while the former United midfielder has impressed, there has been no confirmation of him being handed the role on a permanent basis.

In a crowded managerial market, Enrique’s credentials from his stints at Barcelona and PSG – having lifted the Champions League with both clubs – make him an outstanding candidate. Yet United’s prospects of tempting him away from the French capital have always appeared remote, and their hopes have now taken a further knock. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Enrique revealed he has already begun planning for the summer alongside PSG sporting director Luis Campos.

“There will be small adjustments, just like last year,” Enrique said when asked about the summer transfer window. “We won’t sign a lot of players.”

Furthermore, the Spaniard is reportedly in negotiations to extend his contract with PSG, which would keep him at the Parc des Princes until 2030. Enrique is chasing another Champions League triumph this season and must first overcome Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

United, meanwhile, haven’t featured in Europe’s premier competition since 2023, but Carrick has them on track to qualify with ease. Two victories from their remaining six fixtures would secure Champions League football next season – and would significantly strengthen the case for the Old Trafford hierarchy to retain Carrick permanently.

The 44-year-old, who replaced Ruben Amorim, has remained guarded about his future but hinted after Saturday’s crucial 1-0 victory at Chelsea that he’d be keen to remain. “I love being here,” Carrick told TNT Sports.

“I understand the situation, it’s a bit out my hands. You want to be parts of nights like this, part of special things, create a team. I haven’t got a time frame (for a decision).”

Former team-mate Owen Hargreaves insisted that it would be ‘utterly ridiculous’ for Carrick not to secure the role permanently following a remarkable transformation since Amorim departed in January. “Carra understands the players and that’s probably why he’s there,” Hargreaves explained post-match.

“He understands the pressure of playing for this football club. He puts the boys in the right positions where they need to play to succeed and they’re better in every capacity.

“So, to not give it to him after giving it to him, probably at the time when you wouldn’t have expected it, would be utterly ridiculous. I think today solidifies it.

“If they hadn’t won today and not got in the Champions League places, you could have the debate, maybe bring in someone more experienced. After today and if he finishes third, I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. It wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever.”