Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to become the manager of Manchester United after verbal agreement with the owners

According to The Sun, Manchester United may have inadvertently contributed to Enzo Maresca’s exit from Chelsea on New Year’s Day.

Chelsea dismissed the Italian manager after 19 months at the helm, with discussions at Manchester United potentially playing a role in his downfall.

Rumors linking Maresca to Manchester City were partly fueled by conversations within the Old Trafford organization.

Speculation about him potentially replacing Pep Guardiola became one of the factors leading to his dismissal by Chelsea.

It’s unclear whether Manchester United deliberately sought to unsettle their rivals through these discussions.

Both teams are battling for a top-four spot and Champions League qualification next season, with fourth-placed Chelsea maintaining their position over United only through better goal difference.

Chelsea have appointed an interim manager temporarily, with under-21s manager Calum McFarlane taking charge for tomorrow’s match against Manchester City.

Manchester United face Leeds United earlier on Sunday and could climb to fourth place with a victory at Elland Road combined with a Chelsea defeat.

Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim isn’t facing immediate pressure, though just three victories in their last ten league matches have sparked fresh doubts about his tactical approach within the club.

The Portuguese manager has stubbornly persisted with a three-at-the-back formation, causing frustration among senior figures who’ve grown increasingly concerned about the team’s performance under his rigid system.

Relations between Amorim and Manchester United’s football director Jason Wilcox have become more tense, and the 40-year-old must deliver more consistent results to justify confidence in him.

While the club currently supports him, failing to improve the team’s performance quickly could have serious consequences.