United eyeing Carlo Ancelotti as potential back-up manager option

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It is no secret that Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are the leading contenders to be Manchester United’s new permanent manager.

But ESPN are reporting that United are eyeing Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as a potential option as the recruitment process for the new manager gets underway.

They report that Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended the club take a look at Ancelotti if Pochettino cannot be lured to Old Trafford.

Ferguson knows Ancelotti well and the pair went head to head for the Premier League title during the Italian’s time at Chelsea.

Reports seem slightly bizarre

The report itself acknowledges that Ancelotti would be a short-term option.

All the noises coming out of United and surely the whole point of an interim manager before a more thorough search is to get a long-term boss through the door.

United likely need a younger, more dynamic manager who is going to bring in a philosophy and have the energy and vision to see it through.

Ancelotti is a cultured, successful manager but he tends to adapt to the demands of the club he is at and the players they have, rather than bringing in a clear structure and style of play, which is something United are crying out for.

It probably makes more sense at this stage to simply keep Ralf Rangnick, if needed, rather than find another short-term solution.

Is there any way Ancelotti makes sense?

It is wise for United to have a plan in case Pochettino and ten Hag both prove out of reach in the summer.

Ancelotti is an experienced boss, who has managed in England before and is respected across the world of football.

He knows what it takes to win trophies; he has lifted three Champions League titles, as well as the Premier League in 2010. Ancelotti currently has Real Madrid six points clear in La Liga.

But if Ancelotti ends up at Old Trafford, that is likely because Madrid have proven more successful in targeting and luring Pochettino.

That would be a damning indictment of United, as is the fact that the report claims ten Hag has worries about working in the Old Trafford structure, which is not as clearly defined or efficient as Ajax’s.

Ancelotti led Everton to 10th last season and there are clearly reasons Madrid are looking at a change in the dugout after just one campaign. Time will tell whether he is a genuine contender or a contingency plan.