Football legends Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo appear to be in agreement that the 'phenomenal' Luis Enrique would be Manchester United 's best option as their next permanent manager.
The Red Devils are still searching for a new boss since they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer five months ago, with interim manager Ralf Rangnick presiding over first-team affairs until the end of the season. Although Erik ten Hag is the Red Devils' preferred candidate and talks with the Ajax boss are ongoing, Ronaldo's pick has long been Enrique.
First mooted in November, the United No.7 reportedly wants to see the current Spain manager in the Old Trafford dugout, who Ronaldinho knows all about. The Brazilian magician was Enrique's teammate at Barcelona in the 2003-04 season, allowing him to be up close and personal to one name on the Red Devils' four-man shortlist. In a recent interview with World Sport, via the Daily Post, Ronaldinho was asked who his favourites are to win the World Cup in Qatar later this year and discussed his old pal's chances.
"There are many who come strong. Spain, with the spirit of Luis, is one," the 42-year-old explained. "Luis was a phenomenon on and off the pitch, but I think Brazil is very good too." Regardless of what the pair think of Enrique, though, the notion of appointing Spain's boss has always been a long shot for United given the fact the World Cup takes place midway through the upcoming campaign.
Added to the off-pitch complications, the man himself has shut down the reports on multiple occasions. Over the recent international break, Enrique daubed down by declaring: "I will be in Qatar with Spain because I have given my word and there is nothing that makes me more excited than representing my country in the World Cup; later, we'll see."
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Instead, Ronaldo may have to deal with having Ten Hag as his manager next term, who Rangnick was tight-lipped on when quizzed about ahead of Saturday's dismal 1-0 defeat to Everton. "From what I know, all the managers the club has so far spoken to are top managers, top coaches," Rangnick stated. "If this includes Erik ten Hag, it is also true with him. That is all I can say at this stage."
Ten Hag himself refused to entertain the speculation before Ajax beat Sparta Rotterdam 2-1 hours later, telling Dutch reporters: "I want to talk about the game. I am not reacting to rumours. Questions about the game or I am going inside." While Ronaldo and co await the Red Devils' big decision, his job will be to help United mount a fight to finish in the Champions League places.
