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Former Real Madrid boss responds to Manchester United links

Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla
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Despite being one of the contenders of the Manchester United job, Julen Lopetegui is happy to continue at Sevilla.

Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has played down reports linking him with the permanent manager role at Manchester United.

The former Real Madrid and Spain coach is one of the four reported contenders for the job at Old Trafford alongside PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, and Spain’s Luis Enrique.

But Lopetegui, who has never coached outside his homeland, appears to have no desire to leave Sevilla.

In an interview with ABC Sevilla, he said: “I have transmitted it many times. I am where I want to be.

“I’m happy. Here I can develop my work in the best possible way. I have no doubts. My will is firm. I am where I really want to be.

“The confidence I feel in the club, from day one, is absolute.”

After a disappointing brief spell at Real Madrid in 2018, Lopetegui has rebuilt his reputation at Sevilla. The Spaniard has led the Andalusian outfit to back-to-back top-four finishes in La Liga and Europa League success.

Elsewhere, Enrique has also suggested he won’t become the next Manchester United manager. The ex-Barcelona boss intends to stay in charge of Spain for the World Cup later this year.

Therefore, Pochettino and Ten Hag are the current favorites to replace United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick for next season.

The Red Devils will face Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday for their first game back from the international break.

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