Manager formerly shortlisted by Manchester United announces imminent exit from club

Over the years since Sir Alex Ferguson left the Old Trafford dugout, Manchester United have been through a run of managers.

From David Moyes and Jose Mourinho, to Louis van Gaal and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and most recently Ruben Amorim.

Occassionally, United have had to rely on existing staff, or former players to hold the fort, as Michael Carrick is now, until a new manager is appointed.

For Carrick, it’s his second period in this situation, having been the interim manager after the club parted ways with Solskjaer in 2021.

The former midfielder was due to be in the role until a permanent manager was found, with Ralf Rangnick taking the job til the end of the 2021/22 season.

However, he wasn’t the only person they considered to take on the manager role, with Ernesto Valverde also having been approached after his stint with Barcelona.

He was considered alongside Mauricio Pochettino, the then-PSG manager, however Rangnick took change paving the way for Erik ten Hag as Valverde went on to Bilbao.

However, Ernesto Valverde has now announced that he will not be Athletic Club’s manager next season.

The Mirror has reported that he issued a video message earlier today, announcing: “Hello everyone, I’m here today to announce that I won’t be Athletic’s head coach next season.”

He continued: “This is a decision I’ve come to over time, one that I’ve discussed with the club, and I wanted to share it with you.

“At the same time, it’s worth noting that we have ten crucial league matches left, starting this Sunday against Betis.

“Ten matches in which we aim to achieve our goals, in which we have a lot to gain, in which we’re going to give it our all and which, without a doubt, we can win if we all stick together.”

Athletic Club will now surely look to develop a shortlist of candidates to take charge in the summer as the club currently sit in 10th place.