This Coach Emerges As 'Surprise' Candidate To Become Manchester United's Next Boss: Report

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly emerged as a surprise candidate to become the next Manchester United manager.

Manchester United's new CEO Richard Arnold, who took over from Ed Woodward earlier this year, has taken advice about the new head coach from Sir Alex Ferguson, who has a close personal relationship with the Italian boss, ESPN reported.

Ralf Rangnick is the interim boss of the Red Devils as he was appointed after the club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer toward the end of last year. Manchester United are looking to sign a long-term replacement ahead of next season and Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag are also among their short-listed candidates, the report further noted.

Though Ancelotti isn't one of the leading candidates for the position, he is viewed as a possible back-up if Manchester United fail to land one of their top targets, such as Pochettino, ten Hag or Luis Enrique, according to The Times.

Ancelotti is considered to be the type of coach who could be successful during a short stint because of his experience in the Premier League and the Champions League. He also has a fine track record when it comes to managing squads that are full of high-profile players.

Under Ancelotti's management, Real Madrid are currently six points at the top of the 2021-22 La Liga table.

While Manchester United would prefer to sign the long-term replacement at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, there are complications regarding their targets. PSG will not part ways with Pochettino easily while he is also being linked to a move to Real Madrid as a replacement for Ancelotti.

There have been suggestions that Ten Hag has reservations about the set-up at Old Trafford having worked well within a clearly defined structure at Ajax.

Another candidate, Enrique, will stay in charge of the Spain national team until the World Cup ends. The FIFA tournament is set to take place in Qatar in December, while the Premier League season is scheduled to begin on Aug. 13.

Manchester United are not even in the title race after 27 matches into the 2021-22 Premier League. The Red Devils currently rank fourth with 47 points, 19 behind leaders Manchester City.