Carlo Ancelotti explains why he turned down Man Utd first time as he’s back in the frame
Manchester United is contemplating Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager, but the current Real Madrid manager has previously had the opportunity to take over at Old Trafford but opted not to.
Carlo Ancelotti is being re-considered for the Manchester United job after earlier declining the position.
With Ralf Rangnick’s interim tenure coming to an end this summer, the Old Trafford board is examining its possibilities.
Ajax has been linked with a permanent move for Mauricio Pochettino of PSG or Erik ten Hag of Ajax.
However, according to ESPN, short-term alternatives are being considered, with Ancelotti among those in the running to take over.
The Italian has a close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and has proven his worth at the highest levels of the game with a number of elite teams throughout the years.
Ferguson admires Pochettino but has suggested that if the Argentine is unavailable, the club consider Ancelotti in the short term.
It would be the second time the Italian has been considered for the post on Manchester’s red half.
When United learned that Ferguson would be departing, they started moves to bring in Ancelotti, a three-time Champions League winner.
Ancelotti was at PSG at the time, but he was in talks with Real Madrid and felt it was only appropriate that he followed through on their interest.
“Would you like to hear from me [about coaching at Manchester United]?” Previously, the 62-year-old stated.
“I can say that I still have a terrific friendship with Sir Alex, and we met when he decided to call it quits” (retire).
“But because I was close to Real Madrid at the time, I respect the fact that he spoke to me.” And that’s it; there’s no other chance [to manage United].”
United eventually hired David Moyes, who lasted less than a season.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti would deliver the Champions League, Madrid’s much-coveted ‘La Decima,’ while also winning the Copa del Rey the same year.
He has returned to the Bernabeu for a second stint and has Los Blancos in pole position to win LaLiga.
United is looking for their fifth permanent manager since Ferguson’s resignation, but they are keeping all possibilities open.
Ancelotti has also demonstrated Premier League pedigree, having coached Chelsea to the double in 2010.
They overcame United and Ferguson in the title race, with the Italian emphasizing his feelings for the Manchester outfit.
“I have a lot of respect for this team, for this club, because it is a historical club in the world of football, like Milan, like Real Madrid, a lot of respect,” he stated.
Ancelotti signed a three-year contract in Madrid after leaving Everton in the summer.
