Luis Enrique has created a formidable managerial resume during his time with Spain and Barcelona. But is there a chance that he would be interested in Manchester United?
The 13-time Premier League winners are expected to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer until the end of the season, to prove that he is still up for the job. But, as per the Manchester Evening News, the Salford-based club are preparing for life without the Norwegian legend.
The Red Devils have been linked to names like Erik ten Hag, Brendan Rodgers and Ralf Rangnick. But Enrique seems to be another potential candidate to take over the mantel of Manchester United boss. According to United In Focus, the Spaniard reportedly has admirers among key figures at Old Trafford. But why would he be a good candidate for the club?
Read: This Ralf Rangnick interview shows why Man United fans want him to take over
What has Enrique achieved so far?
The 51-year-old isn’t short of silverware in his trophy cabinet. Enrique won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, beating Paul Pogba‘s Juventus 3-1 in the final.
The former midfielder also has two LaLiga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies on his resume, in addition to a Club World Cup.
However, the Spaniard’s success isn’t just exclusive to club football. He also took his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2020. His side were whiskers away from the final, losing 4-2 in a penalty shootout against eventual winners, Italy.
Would his style of play suit Manchester United?
Enrique is a coach who is capable of implementing an expansive, attacking passing style with a history of managing big egos.
This method would undoubtedly suit Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, who would be able to play with flair and string together dynamic opportunities for the likes of Ronaldo and Rashford to fire home.
However, there could be a hint of needle with one particular player if Enrique did take over at United. Unai Simon is Spain’s number one goalkeeper ahead of United shot-stopper David De Gea. Would the arrival of Enrique signal the end of the goalkeeper’s time at the Theatre of Dreams?
Would the Spaniard want to return to club management?
Although Enrique achieved a great deal at Barcelona, he still decided to leave at the end of the 2016-17 season. The former midfielder was struggling with the stress of managing one of the biggest teams in the world.
He said: “The way I do this job is why I have to leave. There are very few hours to rest. I need to rest.”
The Camp Nou acted as an amphitheatre of boos at some points towards the end of Enrique’s time with the club. However, the manager has bounced back in impressive fashion with Spain, and if Solskjaer does exit stage left at the end of the season, Enrique could still get the call to take over.
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