Enzo Maresca addresses links with Manchester United job and outlines Chelsea stance | OneFootball

Blues head coach backs Ruben Amorim ahead of trip to Old Trafford

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Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions that he was in line to take over at Manchester United before joining Chelsea.

But he says he had no desire to join any other club after being convinced of the project at Chelsea.

“I am Chelsea manager, happy to be here,” said Maresca.

Maresca speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester United

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“In the moment that Chelsea contact[ed] 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.”

Maresca also praised United, saying they are in good hands under Ruben Amorim despite a dismal run of results under the Portuguese.

“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,” Maresca said.

Amorim is under increasing pressure to turn things around at Old Trafford after winning just one of his opening four league games, but Maresca said he did not doubt his ability as a manager.

“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,” Maresca continued.

“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.”