Ernesto Valverde is linked to the position of interim manager at Manchester United
According to The Guardian, Manchester United are speaking with former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde to take over as interim manager.
It is believed that the 57-year-old manager has spoken with John Murtough who is the director of football at Old Trafford. The Spanish manager is thought to have discussed taking over the role on a temporary basis till the Red Devils can make a permanent appointment.
There has been a big scruffle surrounding the role of the managerial position at Old Trafford ever since the Manchester-based club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the humiliating defeat to Watford. Michael Carrick is currently fulfilling the role of a caretaker manager on a match-to-match basis. It is also thought that the likes of Brendan Rodgers or Mauricio Pochettino could be afforded this role on a permanent basis.
The Reds Devils have struggled to maintain their form over the course of the season. They have struggled to open up defences as well as hold a tight ship at the back. The Old Trafford outfit started the season with high hopes as they brought in some stellar reinforcements with the likes of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.
That being said the emotional homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the biggest attractions of the last transfer window. Despite the heavy investment the club struggled to perform on a consistent level under Ole.
The former Athletic Bilbao manager has the experience of managing world-class players like Lionel Messi from his time in Barcelona. Valverde managed to win two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey from his time with the Camp Nou outfit. That experience could also help him navigate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and get the best out of him who may be considered to be in the same league as the Argentine star.
While there has been a lot of chaos at Old Trafford in recent times, Valverde could be seen as a great option to take over the club on a temporary basis. With a substantial part of the season already gone, it would be a difficult task to lure any of the currently employed A-list managers. With this in mind, the ability to bring in someone with Ernesto Valverde’s experience could help the Manchester club get back on track.
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While the pursuit to get the club to its former glory goes on, the Red Devils would be looking to hire an elite manager as soon as possible. This could help bring a sense of composure at Old Trafford that has been through several ups and downs recently. In view of the current conditions at Manchester United, only time can tell us if the Spaniard will land at the Reds side of Manchester.
Meanwhile, Carrick led the club to a 2-0 win against Villarreal, securing themselves a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. How his position will be influenced by the result in the upcoming weekend against Chelsea remains to be seen.
