Former Lyon boss Rudi Garcia reveals he was interviewed to become Manchester United manager

Former Lyon boss Rudi Garcia has revealed he was interviewed to become interim manager of Manchester United before Ralf Rangnick was hired.

Rangnick was appointed as interim boss following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The German agreed to lead the side until the end of the season when he is expected to move into a consultancy role.

United are looking to hire a new permanent manager in the meantime. Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag remain the frontrunners, with the club aiming to make an appointment before the end of the season.

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The pair were also touted as candidates earlier in the season when the potential for a permanent successor to Solskjaer was discussed. Rangnick was ultimately selected on an interim basis as United continue their search.

Former Lyon boss Garcia has now revealed he was also in the running to take charge. Garcia told French newspaper Le Figaro (via Sport Witness) he had an interview with United and came close to being named the club’s manager.

“I was sent all over the football planet, with real news and fake news too, it’s quite funny to read that,” Garcia said. “I had several proposals, in England, Spain and France, but the most advanced, and which really came close, was with Manchester United.

“They made the choice of Rangnick, but that also testifies to the international recognition that I can have, where the leaders only look at the results. My two places as Italian vice-champion with AS Roma, a Europa League final with Lyon and a Champions League semi-final with Lyon, that counts in the eyes of some.”

Garcia also lifted the lid on the interview process he went through. The Frenchman made