Ernesto Valverde is the latest name under consideration by Manchester United as the club explores a possible interim manager appointment.
United have begun their search for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement, having indicated they will be looking to hire an interim boss for the remainder of the season before making a permanent appointment in the summer.
Those plans could change, though, with United confident they can bring in Mauricio Pochettino from PSG on a full-time basis sooner rather than later, with the former Tottenham boss interested in the Old Trafford job and keen on a return to the Premier League.
Plenty of other names have been touted, with former Barcelona head coach Valverde the latest to be linked in a move that would see United stick to their original plan.
Valverde is understood to have spoken to United’s football director John Murtough about taking over on a temporary basis, with his previous experience of managing Lionel Messi seen as a plus point as he would be at ease with managing Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ex-Barca boss has also begun to sound out potential additions to the squad at Old Trafford should he be appointed.
Valverde has spoken previously of his admiration for United, showering the club with praise when his Barcelona side met them in the Champions League in 2019.
"They are a powerful team,” Valverde said. "Physically they are really strong and they know how to put pressure on their opponents. They have players who are physically very powerful, and they can be dangerous strategically as well.”
Valverde added: "They have great spirit and players. If you give them space they can play well. They run well.
"We respect them for what they’ve done, for what they are.”
Valverde retains an interest in managing in the Premier League, telling the Observer back in June: “I wouldn’t mind trying it. You get the feeling that there’s a respect there for what the game is.”
Valverde has been out of work since being sacked by Barcelona in January 2020, having guided the Catalan giants to two Liga titles during his time in charge.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this s eason.
