Manchester United managerial target Julen Lopetegui has agreed terms with West Ham United to become their new manager for the upcoming season.
The Spaniard has been linked with the Old Trafford job due to the poor form of Erik ten Hag’s side.
The future of the United coach is still undecided and whilst Ten Hag claims he is planning to be manager next season, some of his recent comments and press conference behaviour have indicated he is aware that his days are numbered as United manager.
A host of names have been linked with the job including Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Ruben Amorim.
It was recently reported that the the Red Devils were keeping an eye on the talks between the Spaniard and AC Milan, which ultimately broke down last week.
It was claimed that the head coach was perplexed by the way the deal collapsed but that he had been holding out hope that United would come calling for his services.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, this will not be the case as he has already agreed a deal with fellow Premier League side, West Ham.
He posted on X, “Julen Lopetegui has agreed terms with West Ham to become new head coach replacing David Moyes from next season.”
“Lopetegui has accepted West Ham’s proposal, ready to proceed to formal stages. Details being finalised then contracts will be signed but agreement in place.”
Interestingly, the former Spanish national team coach reportedly turned down the Bayern Munich job this week, as he has had his sights set on a return to English football and the Hammers have presented him with this opportunity.
Therefore, it is fair to assume that had United shown more interest in the manager, they could have easily convinced him to join the Old Trafford club.
The confirmation of the news highlights another name to be ticked off the list of potential candidates to take over the reins at United.
There is a certain logic to not sacking a manager before a cup final but the chaotic, unsustainable style of play coupled with the fact that the Red Devils could easily finish the league in eighth and out of Europe all together, suggests INEOS are unnecessarily limiting their options before firing the current coach.
There is not too much need to panic just yet, as some big names are still gettable, but the longer they wait, the greater the risk of missing out on the correct managerial appointment, whoever that may be.