Julen Lopetegui rules himself out of running for Manchester United manager's job
29.03.2022 - 16:33
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui appears to have ruled himself out of the running to become the next Manchester United manager.
Lopetegui has been under consideration to manage United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November but the Spaniard has said there is 'no doubt' he will remain at Sevilla next season.
"The [speculation], I can't help it," Lopetegui told El Chiringuito. "I am where I want to be. Continue on the Sevilla bench next season? I have no doubt."
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Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, pushed for Lopetegui to take over at United in the wake of Solskjaer's dismissal.
Lopetegui, 55, was considered an outsider to take over at United in the summer, with Erik ten Hag the preferred candidate and Mauricio Pochettino still under consideration. The Spain coach Luis Enrique is admired but not expected to abandon the national side before the World Cup begins in November.
Lopetegui came to prominence for his work with the Spain Under-21s and the national team but he was sensationally sacked on the eve of their 2018 World Cup opener against Portugal after it emerged he had agreed to become Real Madrid coach.
Madrid sacked Lopetegui after a 5-1 thrashing by Barcelona five months into his reign but he has rebuilt his career at Sevilla, whom he guided to Europa League glory in 2020, beating United in the semi-finals in Cologne.
United are not expecting anything 'imminent' concerning their managerial situation after interviewing Ajax coach Ten Hag last week.
The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this month Ten Hag is United's preferred candidate to become their next permanent manager, edging ahead of Pochettino.
Ajax have refused to comment on Ten