Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United checking on Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui if they fail to sign Ajax manager Erik ten Hag
According to Marca (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are looking at Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui as a potential candidate to become their new permanent manager ahead of the summer, in the event they cannot convince Erik ten Hag of Ajax.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick is expected to give up the manager’s seat in the dugout at Old Trafford at the end of the season when his tenure as head coach expires, paving the way for a new person to take up one of the biggest footballing jobs in the world.
ten Hag seems to be the current favourite to land the role for the 2022/23 season, but in the event he cannot be prised away from Ajax, then the Red Devils will look at Lopetegui, who has been working wonders at Sevilla.
The Spaniard is under contract with the La Liga side until 2024, but he has been placed on a shortlist of candidates that the Manchester side have drawn up to decide on who is the best fit to lead the team out in the next couple of years.
Incredible comeback
Lopetegui’s name will be familiar to football fans for creating controversy for leaving his job as Spain’s national manager on the eve of the World Cup in 2018 to join Real Madrid. Things got worse for the 55-year-old, as he was sacked by the club within four months of his arrival.
However, he made his name once again by joining Sevilla and guiding the club to the UEFA Europa League trophy in 2020. This season as well, he has got them punching above their weight, sitting second in the league behind leader Real Madrid.
His incredible work in Seville has got Man United’s hierarchy placing him on their wanted list to potentially become their new boss. It is said that the club have performed extensive background checks on their candidates to see if they have what it takes to take charge of the side.
ten Hag is the leading name on the list to be given the job, with the Red Devils believing that his appointment will not only help attract players but also keep some of those whose future is up in the air.
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In the event that Ajax are unwilling to let go of the Dutchman, or he refuses to take the job, then Lopetegui comes as an attractive alternative. He has been silently working hard in La Liga with Sevilla, getting them to play good football and beating top sides.
In Europe as well, he has proved his mettle by winning the Europa League previously. With Man United’s trophy drought a big concern, perhaps the Spaniard is the best person to help end our recent trophyless period.
