Man Utd ‘interview ex-Lyon manager over interim manager role’

The Red Devils are searching for a temporary coach until the end of the season.
Rudi Garcia could be in line to replace Michael Carrick as interim manager. Credit: Getty.Rudi Garcia could be in line to replace Michael Carrick as interim manager. Credit: Getty.
Rudi Garcia could be in line to replace Michael Carrick as interim manager. Credit: Getty.

Manchester United have interviewed former Lyon and Marseille manager Rudi Garcia as a candidate for the interim manager role, according to reports.

Journalist Andy Mitten claims, in an article for The National News, that the Red Devils have reached out to the 57-year-old, but there is no suggestion that he could be employed on a full-time basis by the club.

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Another who has reportedly been contacted about the interim role is ex-Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, with several sources on Tuesday claiming he could be on his way to Old Trafford.

Rudi Garcia left Lyon at the end of last season. Credit: Getty.Rudi Garcia left Lyon at the end of last season. Credit: Getty.
Rudi Garcia left Lyon at the end of last season. Credit: Getty.

United’s pursuit of an interim coach only amplifies claims that Mauricio Pochettino is top of their managerial wishlist, with it appearing difficult to pry the former Tottenham Hotspur man from current employers Paris Saint-Germain during the season.

This may be more plausible in the summer, with reports claiming Zinedine Zidane would be interested in taking over at the Parc des Princes.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of PSG’s Champions League game with Manchester City, Pochettino distanced himself from speculation linking him with the United role, saying: “I love the club [PSG], I love the fans - it is a fantastic time to be at the club. My contract is to 2023 - this season and one more. I am really happy at PSG - that is a fact."

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Meanwhile, L’Equipe claims PSG’s Sporting Director Leanardo visited Pochettino on Monday night to gauge his interest in the United role, with the Brazilian believing their manager has no immediate rush to leave the club.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Maurico Pochettino. Credit: Getty.Manchester United are reportedly interested in Maurico Pochettino. Credit: Getty.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in Maurico Pochettino. Credit: Getty.

Brendan Rodgers and Erik Ten Hag have also been linked with the vacancy.

Who is Rudi Garcia?

The Frenchman has managed several high-profile clubs in France including Saint-Etienne, Lille, Marseille and Lyon, while he also took charge of Roma between 2013-2016.

His greatest managerial achievement came in 2011 when he led Lille to a shock French title and the Coupe de France.

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Known for playing attacking football and nurturing young talents, Garcia’s last role in management came with Lyon, who he left at the end of last season.

Garcia was also in charge of the Ligue 1 club when they made it to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019/20, dumping out Manchester City en route to the last four.