Red Devils

Manchester United have been forced to expedite their managerial contingency plans in the wake of Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from Chelsea with the two clubs holding an interest in some of the same targets.

Chelsea have narrowed their search for Pochettino’s successor to four coaches, with Enzo Maresca, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and an unnamed candidate all making the club’s shortlist.

With Chelsea hoping to be in a position to make an appointment by the start of next month, if not earlier, as sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart work around the clock to secure a new manager, the situation has forced United’s hand to some extent.

United maintain that they have yet to make a final decision on the future of Erik ten Hag but his position appears increasingly untenable and it is understood that the club have been sounding out potential replacements in the event they sack the Dutchman after Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Like Chelsea, United are also believed to hold an interest in McKenna, their former first-team coach who has just led Ipswich Town into the Premier League after back to back promotions and is also interesting Brighton, and Brentford manager Frank. Informal discussions are thought to have been held with their representatives this week in addition to those of other potential targets including Thomas Tuchel and Pochettino himself.

Ten Hag sidestepped questions about his future at his press conference on Thursday ahead of the Cup final and the outcome of that game is not expected to determine the course of action United take.