‘Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent picked me for Man Utd boss – I still want Prem job’

Jorge Mendes previously had a particular person in mind for the Manchester United job, and said manager has now opened the door to a Premier League comeback

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former agent recommended Julen Lopetegui for the Manchester United job in 2021 – and the former Wolves manager is now eyeing a return to the Premier League.

United are currently managed by Michael Carrick in a caretaker capacity. The former club captain has been impressive so far, winning five of his six matches in charge and remaining undefeated.

Carrick is in position until the end of the season and is building a strong case for the permanent job. A managerial hunt is expected to be finalised come the summer, with the World Cup proving a factor for numerous potential contenders – including Lopetegui.

The ex-Premier League manager is currently the head coach of the Qatar national team after spells with Real Madrid, Wolves and West Ham. Jorge Mendes, who represented United legend Ronaldo, previously backed Lopetegui for the position after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed in 2021.

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Mendes was advocating for the 59-year-old to succeed Solskjaer whilst he was in charge at Sevilla. Carrick stepped in for his first interim spell and was succeeded by caretaker Ralf Rangnick, before Erik ten Hag assumed the full-time role.

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Lopetegui may have passed on the chance to move to Manchester when Mendes was pushing for his appointment, but he is now eager to make a comeback in the Premier League. Speaking to World Soccer, the current national team manager has openly admitted his ambition is to return to England’s top flight.

When quizzed on a potential return to England, Lopetegui said: “Why not? For sure, one of my aims in the future is to come back to the Premier League again. But now we have a big, big aim in front of us – to go to one World Cup. My dream.”

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These comments could well place Lopetegui in the frame for United’s next head coach vacancy. A host of names are said to be on the club’s radar, amongst them Gareth Southgate and Oliver Glasner – though it is Carrick who supporters are rallying behind.

The 44-year-old is equally enthusiastic about the prospect, telling BBC Sport it remains his ultimate ambition to secure the role on a permanent basis.

He said: “It’s not a stock answer – for me, it’s the ultimate role. I’m really enjoying it, I love what I’m doing. I’m fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it’s not the fact that I believe I can do it and I’m here to do it.”

Carrick will come up against fellow United target Glasner at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon when United face Crystal Palace. The Red Devils are aiming to secure yet another victory and continue their push for Champions League qualification.

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