Manchester United are set to snub Ralf Rangnick for their 'logical' list of potential permanent managers, but have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino following reports of Real Madrid interest.
Rangnick took up the Old Trafford role back in November on an interim deal until the end of the season, but has previously hinted at extending his stay on a long-term basis.
However, it is believed the German is not in contention for the vacancy, with Paris Saint-Germain 's Pochettino believed to be leading the way among United's preferred list of candidates.
The Argentine manager is expected to depart the Ligue 1 side this summer and it appears French superstar Kylian Mbappe could play a part in where he ends up.
According to Forbes, United have drawn up a 'logical' shortlist of potential candidates, however interim manager Rangnick isn't among those in contention.
The Red Devils reportedly have no intention of offering the 63-year-old the role permanently and expect him to step into a consultancy position at the club, as agreed upon his temporary appointment.
Pochettino is believed to be the favoured option among those being considered, while Ajax 's Erik ten Hag is another being heavily linked.
United appear to face a competition in their pursuit of the former Tottenham head coach however, amid reports from the Daily Mail that Real Madrid are also eyeing him up.
Along with Spurs, the La Liga giants are believed to have failed in their attempts to lure him away from the French capital last summer, with PSG unwilling to let him go.
Los Blancos are now expected to revive their interest as uncertainty continues to swirl around the future of current coach Carlo Ancelotti.
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Days after suffering a late Champions League setback to an Mbappe-inspired PSG, Real's players were jeered by their own supporters during their 3-1 win over Alaves at the weekend.
The outcome of the club's second leg against the French side at the Santiago Bernabeu in two weeks' time could prove decisive in determining the Italian's future, while the aforementioned Mbappe could hold the key to the managerial merry-go-round.
The French forward is believed to have formed a close relationship with Pochettino at PSG and their blossoming bond could scupper United's hopes of tempting him to Old Trafford.
Mbappe is widely known to be Real's top transfer target this summer and his capture could increase their chances of completing a deal to see Pochettino join him in the Spanish capital.
The reports will come as a blow to United's board and their players, with both believed to be keen on seeing the 49-year-old take up the managerial mantle at Old Trafford.
It had been thought that Rangnick would be another in contention for the long-term role and United's current interim fuelled speculation over the prospect of him staying on in his very first press conference.
Rangnick told reporters: “I am fully aware they might be looking for a new manager, [and] if they then speak with me about that, we will see.
“Maybe if they ask my opinion and everything goes well I might make the same recommendation that I did at RB Leipzig twice, that it might be a good idea to keep working with me for one year, but it is all hypothetical.”
However, it is believed the German is not in the running, with United sources clarifying that his remarks were said in jest and were simply misconstrued.
