Ed Woodward has drawn up a five-man shortlist for candidates to become Manchester United's next permanent manager, according to reports. The Sun suggest Woodward still identifies Mauricio Pochettino as his first choice to become the next United manager, but other options are reportedly under consideration should the Argentine decline the role. French duo Zinedine Zidane and Laurent Blanc are also both reportedly on the latest list, but are understood to be viewed as fall back options should the Tottenham manager refuse any offer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has impressed during his short spell as caretaker manager at Old Trafford and it is believed he will be under consideration for the role if he continues the season with the same momentum which has seen him win his first three matches in charge. However, the fifth name on the rumoured shortlist will come as a shock to some supporters, with Salzburg manager Marco Rose also understood to be under consideration for the role.
It is reported the 42-year-old manager is an outside bet for the United first-team job after he impressed club hierarchy with the work he's done in Austria. Rose is 'admired by the United board' for leading Salzburg to the Austrian top-flight title during his first season in charge of the club, as well as guiding his side to the semi- finals of the Europa League in a run which saw them beat Real Sociedad, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio. The report finishes by suggesting the club are fond of Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann, but he has already agreed to takeover RB Leipzig next season.