Eric Cantona says he’s a big fan of manager Man Utd considered hiring instead of Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick will be Manchester United’s head coach next season, but Eric Cantona has admitted he’s a fan of an alternative who was considered.

While not yet official, Michael Carrick is certain to be appointed as the next permanent head coach of Manchester United this summer.

It is well deserved, after his brilliant performances leading the side since January and securing third place in the Premier League.

Carrick spoke excellently after the final home match of the season, hinting at more to come next season, without officially announcing himself. But now Eric Cantona has declared his admiration for another coach who was considered.

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Eric Cantona admits he’s a massive fan of Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique was many people’s dream managerial appointment at United this summer, and now Cantona has spoken highly of him as well.

Speaking on the BRUT YouTube channel, Cantona spoke about Ligue 1, admitting his admiration for Enrique’s PSG.

“There are matches I like to watch because I enjoy that style of play, like Barcelona for example, and certain players I like. So I’ll watch a match for that reason. So it’s not like if someone tells me a team is good, I’ll automatically watch it.

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“PSG?” The interviewer asked

“No, Marseille—I’m from Marseille. But I really like Luis Enrique, and also Guardiola, the two “spiritual sons” of Johan Cruyff, who built everything at Barcelona. And since then, they’ve been building on that philosophy.”

Enrique’s pedigree in football is undeniable, but Cantona has explained it absolutely perfectly.

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Manchester United considered Enrique in January

While Carrick is pretty unanimously backed within Old Trafford after the manner in which he has handled everything since arriving, Luis Enrique was considered.

Fabrizio Romano has explained that United tried to get Enrique back in January, before learning it was impossible.

“Luis Enrique was the secret dream of some important people at Manchester United,” Romano said.

“United tried around January to see if there was a chance to maybe get him to the club this summer, but it was not possible”.

Being considered second to Enrique is no slight on Carrick, with the Spaniard arguably the best in world football, a level Carrick will now aspire to reach himself.

Enrique to United could yet happen in the future, but hopefully, we won’t need to think about a new manager for the next few years at least.

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