Arsenal Legend Claims Luis Enrique Would Reject Manchester United Job

Emmanuel Petit says Manchester United chaos would stop Luis Enrique joining Old Trafford.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has dismissed any chance of Luis Enrique joining Manchester United, branding the club a “circus” run by “clowns” amid ongoing managerial turmoil at Old Trafford.

The World Cup winner believes the current structure at United would repel elite managers, regardless of reputation or success elsewhere.

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Petit pointed to Luis Enrique’s success at Paris Saint-Germain as proof that top managers demand authority and stability. Since being granted full control by PSG’s owners, Enrique has transformed the club and delivered historic success, including a treble capped by their first Champions League title.

Petit argued that this level of trust would not be replicated at Manchester United.

Emmanuel Petit told Hochgepokert that INEOS’ involvement behind the scenes is a major deterrent to high-profile coaches. He suggested that excessive executive interference has reduced managers to mere head coaches rather than true decision-makers.

Petit warned that elite tacticians would not accept a role where player recruitment and team selection are dictated above them.

Manchester United’s instability intensified after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January 2026, with Michael Carrick stepping in as interim manager. While Carrick oversaw an impressive win against Manchester City, uncertainty remains over the club’s long-term direction.

Several names have been linked with the role, but Petit insists Luis Enrique should not be considered a realistic option.

Petit predicts trouble for next United manager

The former Arsenal star went further, suggesting that any manager accepting the United job is walking into failure. He highlighted INEOS’ struggles at Nice as evidence that structural problems extend beyond Old Trafford.

Petit claimed that only complete managerial control would tempt Enrique — a demand he doubts United’s hierarchy would accept.

For United supporters, Petit’s comments underline how far the club’s reputation has fallen since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Petit’s remarks paint a stark picture of a club struggling to attract Europe’s best football minds. Until Manchester United restore clarity, authority, and trust, elite managers like Luis Enrique are likely to stay away.

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