Brendan Rodgers labels Man Utd interest ‘not real’ with Leicester boss ‘fully committed’

Premier League managerial departures so far this season

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Brendan Rodgers has made it clear he will not comment on speculation linking him to Manchester United because the reported interest from the Red Devils is “not real.” The Northern Irishman, who was offended when quizzed on the prospect of taking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job, took a stab at recent speculation suggesting he is the number one candidate to take over at Old Trafford, should the United board pull the trigger on their current manager.

It’s not the first time Rodgers has had to face questions on his future at the King Power Stadium since taking over from Claude Puel in February 2019.

Arsenal were understood to be interested in the services of Rodgers following the sacking of Unai Emery just nine months later but he made it clear he was only just getting started at Leicester.

Tottenham were also linked with the former Liverpool boss following the sacking of Jose Mourinho before more recently, Newcastle’s £305million takeover saw Rodgers emerge as a managerial target.

This time around, the 48-year-old has found himself in the frame for the United job with Old Trafford chiefs said to be seriously considering him as Solskjaer’s replacement.

But Rodgers does not even want to entertain the rumours, once again reaffirming his commitment to Leicester, while also criticising the journalist who asked the question, given Solskjaer is still in the job.

“Firstly, it’s really disrespectful for you to ask the question when there is a manager in place at the club,” he said, ahead of this weekend’s clash with Chelsea.

“Secondly, I can’t comment on it because it’s not real.

“I’m proud to be here at Leicester City. The only thing I’m thinking about is Chelsea and getting ready for that.

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“It’s frustrating for supporters and my players, but from a personal perspective, it’s something that it’s in the modern game, but something I have no focus on whatsoever.”

Rodgers penned a bumper long-term contract in the East Midlands back in December 2019 to end Arsenal’s interest, reportedly doubling his annual salary from £5million to £10.

There has since been some suggestion that his contract contains a release clause, only accessible to clubs who are playing Champions League football.

But Rodgers is determined to bring Europe’s elite club competition back to the King Power Stadium following back-to-back fifth-place finishes and last season’s FA Cup triumph.

The Foxes have now missed out on a top-four finish on the final day of the season in each of the last two Premier League campaigns.

Meanwhile, United are expected to stick with Solskjaer until the end of the season, unless his position comes untenable.

It’s understood the Glazers are only ever likely to intervene if Champions League football for next season becomes mathematically impossible.

The Red Devils are currently five points adrift of the top four, leaving them with plenty of work to do if they are to finish in the top-four for the third successive season.

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