Luis Enrique's brutal reply to Man Utd links before making feelings clear on Liverpool

PSG manager Luis Enrique once joked "is it April Fool's Day?" when asked about the Manchester United job, as his sporting director calls departure speculation "fake news"

Luis Enrique could leave PSG this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Luis Enrique once famously responded "is it April Fool's Day?" when asked about the prospect of managing Manchester United.

The Old Trafford club's firing of Ruben Amorim has sparked widespread speculation about who could be the next person to take the reins at the Theatre of Dreams. Paris Saint-Germain chief Enrique had been touted as a potential candidate after reports emerged suggesting the Spaniard is unwilling to extend his contract with the French giants.

However, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as United boss in November 2021, Enrique, who was managing Spain at the time, was quick to rubbish any rumors linking him with the United vacancy. News outlets had associated him with the position back then.

Recent reports have indicated Enrique could leave the Parisian club this summer as his contract expires, allegedly looking for a fresh challenge. If true, this would mean the 55-year-old becomes a free agent in June.

But based on his sardonic yet cutting reply to the speculation in 2021, the Reds Devils may encounter significant resistance should they try to tempt the former Barcelona manager.

Compounding their problems, suggestions that he could leave the French capital have already been rubbished by club officials. When questioned about the rumors on Tuesday, PSG sporting director Luis Campos told Canal+: "100 percent fake news."

What does Luis Enrique think about Liverpool?

While Enrique has been dismissive about joining United, he has been complimentary about Liverpool. After knocking the Reds out of the Champions League last season, Enrique said: "I'm proud of my players.

"Liverpool is a top-quality team, and I think they didn't feel that (level of opponent) this season with Arne Slot. For us, it is important, but we have a last chance. Of course, we are going to do it."

It would take a lot for Enrique to become the Liverpool manager anytime soon. Slot is still in charge at Anfield, but he has struggled to pick up results during the 2025-26 season, with the Reds sitting fourth in the Premier League table.

Darren Fletcher is Manchester United's caretaker manager(Image: Getty Images)

The Dutchman will be given time to turn things around at Anfield after winning the Premier League title last season. But if the Reds miss out on qualification for the Champions League, and Enrique leaves Paris this summer, he might just succeed Slot at Anfield.

Enrique has enjoyed extraordinary success at PSG. He has secured two league titles, lifted the Coupe de France on two occasions, and claimed the Champions League in 2025. His European Cup triumph represents his second managerial success, having previously won with Barcelona in 2015. He also secured two La Liga titles with the Catalan giants.

Currently, PSG remains in contention across all domestic cup competitions, sits second in Ligue 1, and occupies third place in the Champions League table with only two league phase fixtures left to play. PSG began the new year with a 2-1 victory over city rival Paris FC. Following the match, Enrique voiced his determination to secure further silverware in Paris.

"We came back to the Parc with a victory," he said. "I hope we win as many trophies in 2026. That's our goal, which is ambitious, of course, but I think that everyone in this team, club, and our supporters are ambitious, too. We want to win trophies, and that's what we're going to try to do."

Amorim was dismissed on Monday and departed United with immediate effect. His spell concluded with a record of merely 24 wins from 63 matches.

It's understood that United has held talks with Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy regarding an interim appointment until the campaign's conclusion, though the latter is thought to be ruled out.

Solskjaer is a leading candidate for the position, having expressed his readiness to make a comeback to Old Trafford. Darren Fletcher will take on the role of interim manager and will guide United from the sidelines in Wednesday's match against Burnley.