Manchester United are yet to make a decision on their next head coach and the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti looks unlikely, despite the transfer plans to target a player he would love.
Ineos have begun the process of hiring a manager in the summer, with work being done behind the scenes to assess all options.
There are as many as 12 managers linked with United, and Michael Carrick is also throwing his name into the hat because of his flawless start as interim head coach.
United fans want Carrick to stay, but Ineos may be tempted to bring in a new manager with more experience and a world-class CV, such as Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti was among the favourites to take charge at United, with various club legends throwing their support behind him.
Man United £100m interest would have been perfect for Carlo Ancelotti
Despite being considered an attractive candidate, Ancelotti is set to sign a new deal with Brazil, taking him through until the 2030 World Cup.
This likely means that only a disaster for Selecao this summer would mean Ancelotti becomes available for Ineos to approach.
It might be too late now, but United’s interest in Sandro Tonali could have potentially been a convincing factor for Ancelotti not to sign that new deal.
United will spend the summer of 2026 strengthening their midfield department regardless of which head coach is appointed.
Elliot Anderson is the top target, but there is fresh interest in Tonali, according to reports this week.
Tonali is expected to demand a transfer fee of around £100 million, and it would be a box-office signing that would have likely pleased Tonali’s Italian compatriot, Ancelotti.
While Tonali has never played under Ancelotti, he has very familiar traits that suit his system and style of play.
Sandro Tonali’s comparison to Andrea Pirlo might have excited Ancelotti
Ancelotti has been successful all around Europe, and he currently finds himself in charge of the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
One of Ancelotti’s most successful sides was the AC Milan team he helped to build in the 2000s, which included legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
Since his emergence in Milan, Tonali has been compared to Pirlo, as per the BBC. Not only does he look like his fellow Italian midfielder, but his composure and eye for a pass add to the comparison.
In Ancelotti’s Milan side that won the Champions League twice, Pirlo was integral to his midfield setup. If Ancelotti did make a move to Old Trafford instead of committing to Brazil, Tonali would perfectly suit his setup.
Tonali has even said that Pirlo is one of his favourite midfielders via ProDirectSoccer, and as a boyhood Milan fan, he would surely have jumped at the chance to play under Ancelotti. Additionally, the move would have been tempting for Ancelotti to work with a talented Italian.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/jrCwfo4