Man Utd line up Marco Rose for manager’s job alongside Zidane and Blanc in case Pochettino rejects role

RED BULL SALZBURG'S Marco Rose is the shock name on Manchester United's managerial shortlist in case Mauricio Pochettino rejects them.

The list also includes Zinedine Zidane, Laurent Blanc and interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Although Pochettino remains first choice of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, United are putting together a list of alternatives in case the Spurs boss turns them down.

Rose, 42, is admired within the United boardroom after leading Red Bull Salzburg to the Austrian title in his first season.

The club also made it to the semi-final of last season’s Europa League after beating Real Sociedad, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio in the knockout rounds.

Salzburg were eventually beaten by Marseille in the semi-final, but their run to the last four established Rose’s reputation in European football.

The German, who spent part of his playing career with Mainz, is unbeaten in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.

They are also into the last 32 of the Europa League again after winning all six group games – against Celtic, Rosenborg and RB Leipzig.

United also retain an interest in Hoffenheim’s highly-regarded coach Julian Nagelsmann, but he is already committed to RB Leipzig next season.

United have already been putting out the feelers for their next manager, but Poch remains their top target.

Woodward desperately tried to tempt him to Old Trafford in 2016, but had to settle for Jose Mourinho when Poch decided to stick with Tottenham.

Although Woodward has been given encouragement that Pochetino is ready to come this time, there are no guarantees.

That has forced United to come up with a back-up plan if their first choice decides to stay with Spurs.