The future of Enzo Maresca is sparking intense speculation, with both Manchester City and Manchester United potentially in the mix for the recently departed Chelsea manager. While whispers link him to both clubs, the situation is far from settled, shrouded in the uncertainty of Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans.
Reports emerging from Italy fueled the connection to Manchester United, but the current understanding suggests a different timeline for the Red Devils. They aren’t actively seeking a manager *now*, but rather meticulously planning for a potential appointment starting with the 2026-2027 season.
Manchester City, however, appears to have a genuine, albeit patient, interest in Maresca. He’s viewed as a potential successor to Guardiola, a prospect that hinges entirely on the Spaniard’s future decision – a decision that hasn’t been made yet.
The key lies with Guardiola. Until he clarifies his intentions, any talk of Maresca stepping into his shoes at the Etihad remains speculative. City is carefully observing Maresca’s availability, positioning him as a future option rather than an immediate replacement.
Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea, though brief, yielded tangible success, including triumphs in the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup. He instilled a recognizable style of play, but his relative inexperience compared to Guardiola presents a significant challenge.
Taking the reins at Manchester City after Guardiola would be a monumental task, demanding a manager capable of sustaining an extraordinary level of achievement. United, seemingly less convinced, may be aiming for a more established figure when they begin their managerial search.
The situation is fluid, a complex interplay of managerial ambitions and club strategies. For Maresca, the waiting game continues, his next move dependent on the decisions of two of the Premier League’s most influential figures.
