Manchester United has held preliminary conversations with Ernesto Valverde as their hunt for a caretaker manager until the end of the season intensifies.
Valverde is one of a handful of potential candidates who have met with United, and it is believed that other well-known managers are also in the running.
Following the termination of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last week, United are undergoing a rigorous process to pick an interim manager before looking for a permanent replacement.
The club intends to make a permanent appointment at the end of the season, and Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain is their primary choice, with Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag also being considered.
United are not ruling out the idea of hiring a permanent manager in the middle of the season, even if an interim manager is appointed first.
Although Pochettino declared on Monday that he is "very pleased" at PSG and will not let United's desire to distract him from his current duty, it is thought that the former Tottenham manager would be interested in moving to Old Trafford.
Pochettino joined PSG in January and has a deal through the summer of 2023 with the Ligue 1 club.
If available, United would consider a number of high-calibre individuals for a longer-term position.
The club wants to take its time finding the right person in the long run, with the interim manager being seen as someone who can rapidly offer stability and momentum for the remainder of the season.
Valverde has been unemployed since January 2020, when he was fired by Barcelona, who were leading La Liga at the time.
During his two-and-a-half years at the Nou Camp, the 57-year-old won two Spanish crowns and the Copa del Rey, and he is also a three-time Greek champion during his time with Olympiakos.
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