Manchester United’s footballing director John Murtough has opened up on the club’s search for a new manager.
After an excellent summer transfer window, many assumed Manchester United would fight for the title this term. However, after a difficult start to the campaign, the Red Devils had to part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and are now aiming for a top-four finish under the leadership of Ralf Rangnick.
The former RB Leipzig manager was brought in to steady the ship after a difficult start. However, he is set to quit his managerial role at the end of the season and take up a consultancy role. It has compelled Manchester United to prepare a search for a new manager in the summer.
The club’s sporting director John Murtough has recently opened up on the search to find a replacement for Rangnick, confirming his plans to “thoroughly” dig through every option currently available in the market.
“We are now conducting a thorough process for the appointment of a new permanent manager who will take charge this summer, with the objective to get us back to challenging for those domestic and European titles,” Murtough said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
Manchester United have been primarily linked with a move for Mauricio Pochettino, who is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. However, the Red Devils are set to face stiff competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid, who are actively mulling over sacking Carlo Ancelotti.
There is no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club also in contention to sign Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag, who may leave the Eredivisie giants following the unexpected departure of Marc Overmars.
However, Murtough insisted the club are more focused on ending the season well, knowing a top-four finish could significantly boost their chances of landing the best managers as they look to restore the club’s lost glory.
“We know that consistency is key as we strive for a top-four finish this season. I want to reiterate however that this is not the ultimate objective for Manchester United, and everyone at the club is focused on challenging for the top trophies,” he said.
Manchester United are currently fourth in the league table with 47 points on the board. With West Ham United and Arsenal breathing down their necks, the Red Devils will be gunning for a vital win when they face league leaders Manchester City in the derby this weekend.