Luis Enrique could emerge as a potential contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United if pressure on the Dutchman intensifies next year, according to reports in Spain.
Enrique was sacked as Spain head coach on Thursday following their shock World Cup last-16 exit at the hands of Morocco, which saw them crash out of the competition on penalties.
As a result, the former Barcelona boss is now on the hunt for his next post after departing La Roja, and Spanish publication AS believe there are two potential options for him.
The first of those is Atletico Madrid, who are said to have identified him as a top target to replace Diego Simeone if the long-serving manager waves goodbye in 2023.
Yet United have also been pinpointed as a possible destination for Enrique should Ten Hag’s reign take a turn for the worse in the second half of the season.
While he is not under any immediate pressure, Ten Hag has suffered five defeats in his first 21 games at Old Trafford and question marks could surface if that tally increases between now and the end of the campaign.
AS feel Enrique would be United’s most obvious target if that plays out, especially given he is only waiting in the wings to join one of Europe’s elite clubs.
For now, though, Atletico appears the most likely next move for him amid doubts over Simeone’s long-term future in Madrid.
The Spanish club are down in fifth in LaLiga after winning just seven of their first 14 games, leaving them 13 points adrift of table-toppers Barcelona, while they also crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.
With Enrique now on the market, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has refused to hide their interest in the sacked Spain head coach.
‘I really like him personally and professionally. I think he has the talent to coach any team in our league.
‘It is clear that he adds up for everyone,’ Marin said on TVE after Spain’s defeat against Morocco.
‘For the media, for the players and for the clubs because he offers performance. I think he is good.’
Atletico midfielder Koke also appears to be on board with Enrique’s potential appointment, saying: ‘Luis Enrique is a spectacular manager and coach. It’s a different idea than what we have now at Atlético, but why not?’
Enrique spent three years in charge of Atletico’s rivals Barcelona, where he won two Spanish titles and the Champions League.
