Manchester United managerial candidate confirms he won’t take over club for start of next season

That man is, of course, Luis Enrique, who the Daily Mirror has linked to the Manchester United position.

“I will be in Qatar with Spain because I have given my word, and nothing makes me more excited than representing my nation in the World Cup; subsequently, we’ll see,” Enrique added, according to the Daily Mirror.

Given United is anticipated to select a manager in time for the start of the new season, effectively ruling Enrique out of contention. The Spain manager has committed to the job for the duration of the World Cup, and United should have a permanent manager in place by the time it concludes.

Of course, he isn’t ruling out leaving Spain after the World Cup, but the Daily Mirror story goes on to say that the club wants a manager in place before the start of the new season.

The World Cup takes place in Qatar from November to December, just a few months into the Premier League season.

If Enrique proves to be the best contender for the job, United might keep Ralf Rangnick as manager until the new year.

However, appointing a new manager without a complete pre-season and summer transfer window is not ideal.