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Manchester United explored the idea of appointing Enzo Maresca as their new manager over the summer, as per reports.
After their FA Cup triumph in May, United decided to keep Erik ten Hag in charge for another season — a decision that was scrutinised by many.
The period before the start of a new campaign is usually considered an ideal time to approach possible managerial targets, as most top managers are reluctant to leave their roles mid-season. By keeping Ten Hag at the helm despite United’s eighth-place finish in the league, INEOS took a huge gamble which has now spectacularly backfired.
Not only are the Red Devils in a worse position — 14th to be precise — but they also face the very challenging task of finding a top manager mid-season.
Had United acted more decisively and swiftly after the end of the last season, they may have secured the services of Maresca.
Maresca played a role in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022/23 as Pep Guardiola’s assistant before leading Leicester City back to the Premier League.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Maresca was considered by United “as part of their succession planning” over the summer. Still, their pursuit did not progress any further, as Chelsea moved decisively “knowing they weren’t the only club considering Maresca.”
As an aside, told Enzo Maresca was another name #MUFC considered as part of their succession planning over the summer, although appreciation didn’t lead to anything.#CFC moved decisively knowing they weren’t the only club considering Maresca and had him in place long before… pic.twitter.com/NrqQAeDD5i
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 28, 2024
The Blues won the race for the Leicester boss before United even completed their review concerning Ten Hag’s work at Old Trafford.
The way Maresca has started at Chelsea, it seems the Mancunian giants missed out on a top signing in him.
The London outfit were all over the place last season, but under the Italian, they have shown promising signs and currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.
The Maresca ship has passed, for now, but the United board will get another opportunity to see his work closely very soon, as Chelsea are scheduled to face United at the Theatre of Dreams this Sunday.
Meanwhile, United have given assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy the responsibility to lead the side on an interim basis while they search for a new permanent manager.
Featured image Clive Mason via Getty Images