Rodgers’ Man Utd comment gives Ed Woodward plenty to think about

Brendan Rodgers responded to claims he is Manchester United’s priority target to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a withering put-down before branding the speculation “not real”.

The startling moment in the Leicester City boss’ press conference on Thursday laid bare the difficulties United are having identifying a replacement for the under-pressure Norwegian.

Old Trafford chiefs passed up newly-appointed Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte, Zinedine Zidane is proving hard to persuade and Erik ten Hag appears perfectly content at Ajax.

In contrast, Rodgers would allegedly “jump” at the opportunity to take over at United due to the vast “attraction” of the job and the “great squad” which would await him.

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Indeed, reports last week even suggested the club’s hierarchy are confident of luring the highly-rated Northern Irishman away from the King Power as they prepare to make a change in the dugout.

After all, which manager would not want to work with a veteran Cristiano Ronaldo still scoring goals for fun, a talismanic playmaker such as Bruno Fernandes and a £200million starting defence?

The former Liverpool boss retorted: “Firstly, it’s really disrespectful for you to ask the question when there is a manager in place – a good manager and a good man – who’s working at the club.

“And secondly, I can’t really comment on it because it’s something that’s not real. I’m here as the Leicester City manager; proud to be here, privileged to be here and fully committed to the players, the club and the ownership.