Enzo Maresca has revealed he was approached by Manchester United before taking charge at Chelsea, but insists he had no doubts about joining the Blues. The Italian guided Chelsea to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles in his debut season. He also offered support to Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, describing him as a 'magnificent manager' despite a rocky start at Old Trafford.
Maresca reveals Man Utd talks before Chelsea move
Maresca confirmed he held discussions with Manchester United but quickly made up his mind when Chelsea came calling in 2024. He stressed that the size of the club and the quality of the squad convinced him to commit to the Blues. At the same time, he praised Red Devils' historical stature and backed Amorim to succeed despite early setbacks in charge at Old Trafford.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaresca happy at Chelsea – offers support to Amorim
“I am Chelsea manager, happy to be here,” Maresca explained. “In the moment that Chelsea [contacted] me for the first time, I said already many times, I was immediately convinced and sure. First of all, because of the club, how big it is and then because of the squad, because the squad for me last year was very good, and this season it’s also very good.”
On United, he added: “I think Manchester United is a big club, they have a big manager and no doubt that they are going to do important things with Ruben. The only thing I can say is that I really appreciate Ruben. I've watched Ruben's games since he was in Sporting. He's a magnificent manager. Like all the managers, when you start a new project, sometimes you can struggle a little bit more or a little bit less, but at the end, you're going to struggle. I don't have any doubt that he's a fantastic manager.”
Chelsea stumble at start of the season
Chelsea are looking to build on last season’s success, but their start to the new campaign has been inconsistent. The World Champions have taken two massive victories but have been held to draws by Crystal Palace and Brentford; they also suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich earlier this week. Meanwhile, Amorim is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after leading Manchester United to a 15th-placed finish last season and only managing one win in five games so far this term.
AFPAmorim's last saving grace? Maresca looking for three points
Chelsea face Manchester United on Saturday in a clash heavy with storylines. The Blues will want to steady their form and climb the table, while United desperately need a statement victory to silence growing doubts around Amorim. With pressure mounting on both sides, the result could shape the direction of their seasons.
