Man Utd checking on Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui in manager hunt if they fail in Erik ten Hag pursuit

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly plotting a swoop for Julen Lopetegui should they fail to get Erik ten Hag as their next manager.

The Spaniard, 55, is currently in charge of Sevilla and remains under contract until 2024.

He guided the club to Europa League joy back in 2020 and he currently has them sitting second in LaLiga.

Now Marca state that United have placed him on their wanted list to potentially be their new boss.

That comes after reports he was part of a five-man shortlist drawn-up by the Red Devils.

However, Ajax’s Ten Hag is the favourite to get the job – after a set of dossiers was completed on all candidates.

United have compiled exhaustive background checks on each of their possible targets, with the Ajax coach coming out well on top.

United believe the appointment of Ten Hag, 52, will not only help attract players but also keep some of those whose future is up in the air.

However, Lopetegui now appears to be amongst the possibilities should they fail to get their top target.

The coach’s stock fell dramatically in 2018 when he left his job as Spain’s national manager for Real Madrid on the eve of the World Cup.

DEF-INITELY DONE

Former Spurs star Jermain Defoe on verge of announcing retirement aged 39

DOES NOT COMPUTE

CHARITY BASH

RAPH CHASE

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

After that was met by fierce backlash, he was then sacked after just four months at the Bernabeu.

The following year he headed to Sevilla.

And now he has created a side that is challenging Madrid at the top of the table.