Manchester United legend Gary Neville has publicly backed Carlo Ancelotti as the outstanding candidate to become the club's next permanent manager, urging the hierarchy to consider a patient approach for the Italian.
Neville's Four-Point Criteria for United Success
The call comes as United begin their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this week. The club is currently in talks with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about an interim role until the season's end, with Darren Fletcher taking temporary charge for matches against Burnley and Brighton.
Writing in his Overlap newsletter, Neville laid out a four-point checklist he believes is essential for any manager to succeed at Old Trafford, based on the club's struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.
The four key boxes to tick are:
- The ability to handle intense media scrutiny and the constant noise surrounding the club.
- A proven track record of achieving top-four finishes, managing in the Champions League, and handling superstar egos within a squad.
- A deep understanding of the Premier League and English football culture.
- An embrace of the 'Manchester United way' – a positive, risk-taking philosophy that prioritises pace and excitement, likely in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
Why Ancelotti Fits the Bill Perfectly
Neville argues that very few individuals meet all these demands, but one stands out: Carlo Ancelotti. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Everton boss has direct experience winning the Premier League, having secured the title with Chelsea in the 2009/10 season.
"No-one comes as close to fulfilling everything laid out above than he does," Neville stated. He acknowledged a potential complication, however, as Ancelotti is currently managing the Brazilian national team. United might have to wait until late July 2026 if Brazil reaches the World Cup final.
In a twist of fate, Neville revealed that United met with Ancelotti shortly before his initial retirement in 2013, but a deal never materialised as he was close to agreeing to his first spell at Real Madrid.
The Immediate Path Forward for United
While the long-term vision may point towards Ancelotti, the immediate focus at Old Trafford is on stabilising the season. The pursuit of Solskjaer for an interim position and Fletcher's current stewardship indicate a short-term strategy is being enacted.
Neville's intervention adds significant weight to the debate over United's direction, framing the managerial search not just as a recruitment exercise, but as a fundamental return to core principles the club has lost. His endorsement of Ancelotti, a manager with unparalleled experience and a calm, trophy-laden demeanour, sets a clear benchmark for the United board to consider as they plot their next move.
