Lionel Messi considered key in Man Utd manager hunt as Ernesto Valverde 'talks' underway

Lionel Messi is set to play a key role in Manchester United’s search for a manager, reports say. United are claimed to have opened talks with Messi’s former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde. Spaniard Valverde has been added to a long list of managers to have been linked with the Old Trafford job.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the Norwegian’s sacking on Sunday.

However, United are looking at alternatives if they cannot prise the Argentine away from PSG until next summer.

Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag and Luis Enrique have all been linked with United.

But the Red Devils are looking for an interim and former Barca boss Valverde has been identified as a candidate.

“Many times, from the touchline, you’re always thinking what can be the best option and, ultimately, he sees it much better than you from on the pitch.

“Messi is a very easy player to coach because he also has a great impulse with respect to the team.

“He has a great ambition to win, he always feels such an obligation to the game as for the club. He transmits that to the group and it forces everyone to be at a higher level.”

source: express.co.uk