Manchester United warned not to appoint Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers

Ex-Manchester United academy player Richie Wellens has warned his former club over appointing Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers as their permanent manager at the end of the season, given his past Liverpool connection (h/t Manchester Evening News).

Rodgers managed United’s arch-nemesis, Liverpool, between 2012 and 2015, nearly leading the Reds to a Premier League title in the 2013/14 season. The Northern Irishman is currently in charge of Leicester City, having led them to FA Cup and Community Shield wins in the recent past.

Wellens, who previously managed a gamut of clubs including Salford and Doncaster Rovers, urged his old club from appointing Rodgers as their boss in the summer because of his previous stint as Liverpool manager.

“Brendan has been linked with Manchester United recently. He would definitely be a candidate. I think it’s a good fit, but he has been at Liverpool and that is really tough. United are their biggest rivals.

Currently, United are led by Ralf Rangnick, who has been appointed by the club as an interim manager until the end of the season. The former RB Leipzig boss was roped in after the Red Devils sacked club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer early in the season after a poor run of results.

Liverpool connection warned against

This season has been a rollercoaster journey for the side, who have seen some last-minute wins as well as disappointing cup exits, with their most recent game turning out to be a heartbreaking exit from the FA Cup to Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties. The fixture saw United spurn a host of opportunities as they contributed to their own downfall and saw yet another chance at a trophy slip away.

Although Wellens was against his old club appointing Rodgers as a permanent manager ahead of the new season, he was full of praise for the Leicester City boss and said that he would be the first choice if any of the other top teams were looking for a new manager.

“Someone like Mauricio Pochettino or Luis Enrique would be better for United as they don’t have that baggage. But in terms of the top four or five clubs, if any jobs come up, Brendan would be considered.”

Wellens gave the example of Rafa Benitez to make his point, with the former Liverpool boss being hugely successful at Anfield, but failing during his time with rivals Everton, where he was under pressure straightaway to win. The Spaniard had a poor time at Goodison Park, with the fans also turning against the now-axed manager because of his past Liverpool connection.

It remains to be seen if Rangnick will be given the manager’s job permanently in the summer, but if he were to be judged on recent performances, the German stands very little chance to win over the United hierarchy. As things stand, the Red Devils are in the market to look for a permanent boss ahead of the new season.

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Rodgers has been doing a splendid job at Leicester City so far, consistently leading them to a top table finish and pushing for European qualification. Last season’s FA Cup win was a big boost for the Northern Irishman’s credentials for a job in the future.

The summer will be interesting to watch for United fans, with supporters keen to see who will lead them into the new season and challenge for trophies. Rodgers is a strong candidate for the post, but whether his past Liverpool link will affect his chances will be a question to ponder.