Mauricio Pochettino remains interested in replacing Ole Gunnar Solsjaer at Old Trafford, but the current Manchester United manager continues to retain the support of Ed Woodward.
The Argentine has been out of work since he was sacked by Tottenham in November but, according to the Mirror, is keen to restart his managerial career in the Premier League and United are his preferred club.
United have made limited progress under Solskjaer and are currently in eighth place in the Premier League table following a drab 0-0 draw with Wolves at Old Trafford prior to their winter break.
Woodward helped seal the signing of Bruno Fernandes last month, but with Paul Pogba still sidelined and Marcus Rasfhord out until at least March, United still look desperately short of attacking options.
Odion Ighalo was recruited on loan following a late, desperate trolley dash in the final hours of the January window, but whether the Nigerian is capable of scoring the goals that will help claw back Chelsea’s five-point advantage in the race for the top four remains to be seen.
United’s sponsors are said to have clauses in their contracts that will reduce the club’s spending power in the summer should Solskjaer fail to secure Champions League qualification.
However, the Mirror reports that Solskjaer will only be given his marching orders should United fail to finish in the top six and miss out on Europe altogether.
United face Derby County in the next round of the FA Cup and are strong favourites to progress to the last 16 stage of the Europa League having been paired against Club Brugge.
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