United focus on interim as they try to lure Poch

MANCHESTER United look increasingly likely to appoint an interim manager, with their hopes of poaching Mauricio Pochettino sooner rather than later from Paris Saint-Germain drifting.

United are looking for a successor to the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and have reportedly drawn up a five-man shortlist to take over until next summer.

Former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has been approached and is believed to be most likely to be offered the post, but names also being considered are ex-RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick and recent Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre.

Rudi Garcia, who took Lyon to the Champions League semi-finals in 2020, is also understood to be on the shortlist, as is former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.

United are still focused on appointing a long-term manager next summer, with none of the names on their current list being considered as permanent options.

The man United want most to be in the

hotseat is Pochettino, but the chances of prising him away from PSG before the end of the season appear to be slim.

There were reports yesterday of an initial approach from United for Pochettino’s services being rebuffed by PSG.

The Argentine was in Manchester last night for his team’s Champions League clash with Pep Guardiola’s City.

It has been a turbulent few days for United, even by their standards, but the ship was at least steadied to some extent on Tuesday, when caretaker boss Michael Carrick oversaw an important 2-0 win over Villarreal that saw the Reds through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

United officials are well aware there is still much to play for this season, despite their recent woes. They have 26 league games remaining, plus European knockout football and the FA Cup in early 2022.

Next they have the little matter of a meeting with Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Currently, it seems likely Carrick will lead the Reds for that game.