Luis Enrique has already delivered five-word verdict on Manchester United job amid interest

Despite the search for Manchester United's next permanent manager threatening to become a two-horse race between Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino, other names continue to be linked with the job.

One of them is Spain manager Luis Enrique. The Spaniard, who recently left United goalkeeper David de Gea out of his 23-man squad for this current international fixtures with Albania and Iceland, is still in with a chance of becoming the club's next permanent manager.

The former Barcelona boss is said to have 'admirers' within Old Trafford, though it remains to be seen if he could be lured back to club football. He is a highly respected coach and will be hoping to lead Spain to their first major honour since lifting Euro 2012 at this year's World Cup in Qatar.

READ MORE: Manchester United must listen to transfer warning Ralf Rangnick gave them in 2019

However, Enrique, 51, has been linked with the United job for several months and was immediately installed as one of the favourites following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's exit in November. At the time, when United were yet to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim boss, Enrique was quizzed about the chances of him taking over the reins at Old Trafford.

Responding with an answer that amounted to just five words, he said: "Is it April Fools Day?" It was a quick, snappy response from Enrique, suggesting that he either had no interest in the role or wanted to bring questions on the topic to an immediate conclusion.

Since making that admission, United, of course, have made no final decision on who will become their next permanent manager, even though Ten Hag, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, is their preferred candidate. The Dutchman has been interviewed for the position and