Man United in talks with former Barcelona coach

Manchester United are trying to sign Ernesto Valverde as Ole Gunnar’s Solskjaer’s temporary replacement.

Manchester United continue to scan the market as they look for a new head coach. The club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, appointing assistant Michael Carrick as interim coach.

The club are reportedly keen to sign Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager. However, the Argentine currently works at PSG, with the French giants having no intention of releasing him before that.

According to the Guardian, Manchester United have already opened talks with Ernesto Valverde. The Red Devils are keen to appoint the former Barcelona boss as interim manager until the end of the season.

…to be clear, Ernesto Valverde would only be considered as ‘interim’ option – in case Manchester United won’t be able to appoint a permanent manager right now like Pochettino or Rodgers. 🔴 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2021

The English outlet claims the Spaniard is already selecting the club’s targets for the January window. Man United hope Valverde’s successful experience of working with Lionel Messi would help him in dealing with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Since parting ways with Barcelona in 2020, Valverde has been out of work. The 57-year-old led Barca to two La Liga titles but was heavily criticized for his side’s bitter Champions League eliminations against Roma and Liverpool. In both cases, Barca’s opponents came back from behind to punish them for their lack of concentration in second legs.

In an interview in June, Valverde answered a question about the prospect of working in England.

“Could be,” the Spaniard said. “I wouldn’t mind trying it. You get the feeling that there’s a respect there for what the game is.”

Manchester United will face Villarreal in a crucial Champions League game on Tuesday. The Red Devils will then face Chelsea in a league game four days later.