Carlo Ancelotti is the latest name to be linked to the Manchester United manager’s job – and it’s not the first time he’s been touted for a move to Old Trafford.
Reports have suggested the Italian has emerged as a possible option for United as they continue their search for a permanent manager. The club are looking to make their appointment before the end of the season in time for the summer transfer window.
Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag remain the frontrunners for the role, having been linked since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in November. Current interim manager Ralf Rangnick is thought to be involved in the process, with the German set to move into a consultancy role at the end of the season.
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Other names, such as Brendan Rodgers, Luis Enrique and Antonio Conte have also been touted as possible successors to Rangnick. Ancelotti becomes the latest to join the list, amid uncertainty over his future at Real Madrid.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea boss is reportedly facing pressure at the Bernabeu after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League tie. Pochettino has been suggested as a possible replacement for him in the Spanish capital, which could scupper United's attempt to recruit the Argentine.
ESPN report that United could turn to Ancelotti. Their report claims Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended the club consider bringing in the Italian on a short-term basis.
The Scot has a great admiration for Ancelotti, and it wouldn’t be the first time he’s tipped him for the United job. Back in 2020, the former Everton boss revealed how he turned down the chance to replace Ferguson in 2013.
“You want to know from me?” he said of United’s approach. “I can say that I still keep a fantastic relationship with Sir Alex, and we met when he decided to stop [retire].
“But I was close to Real Madrid, and so I appreciate the fact that at that time he talked to me. And that’s it, no other opportunity (to manage United).”
Despite turning down the chance to follow Ferguson’s lead, Ancelotti continues to speak highly of United. Should he be in the running to take over in the summer, he could well be tempted into finally making the switch to Old Trafford.
“Yes of course Manchester United is a fantastic club, a fantastic team I battled against them a lot of times when Sir Alex was there, when I was at Chelsea,” Ancelotti said.
“I have a lot of respect for this team, for this club, it is a historical club in the world of football like Milan, like Real Madrid, a lot of respect.”
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