Manchester United want to appoint a new permanent manager as soon as possible but face competition from Real, according to latest reports today.

Manchester United are ‘favourites’ to hire Mauricio Pochettino this summer with the Argentine also ‘keen’ on the Real Madrid job according to reports.

The 49-year-old is currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain who sit top of Ligue 1 - 15 points ahead of second-place Marseille.

United chief executive Richard Arnold is said to be looking to appoint a new permanent manager ‘as soon as possible’, according to the Mail, with the Red Devils aiming for their new boss to ‘play a part’ in the recruitment process in the summer.

Pochettino is currently ‘favourite’ to take the Old Trafford hot seat next season as per the Athletic, with odds of 7/4 on Monday.

Pochettino during his time in charge of Tottenham Hotspur. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Pochettino during his time in charge of Tottenham Hotspur. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

The Argentine is no stranger to the Premier League having managed both Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur before moving to the French capital.

However, there is some bad news for United if reports are to be believed. According to Diario Sport, Pochettino is ‘keen’ on taking the Real Madrid job if it becomes available in the summer.

The Spanish outlet claims Los Blancos could turn to the 49-year-old if Carlo Ancelotti fails to win the La Liga title this campaign.

Kylian Mbappe scored the winner in PSG’s fixture against Real Madrid on February 15. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

Pochettino guided PSG to a 1-0 victory over Real in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg on 15 February.

They add that the Argentine is unlikely to be in charge of the French side if he fails to win the latter mentioned competition this season.

The Red Devils could struggle to lure Pochettino from Los Blancos if they fail to finish in the top four of the Premier League, with United currently occupying the last Champions League place.