Manchester United are still yet to announce their new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer, but with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino strong favourites, a new name has been thrown into the mix as the club steps up their recruitment.
What's the word?
According to Portuguese news outlet UOL, the Man United board are considering a third candidate in Carlo Ancelotti, with the club reportedly making an approach for the Real Madrid manager.
Ancelotti is said to be 'seen with good eyes' behind the scenes at the Premier League club and although they may pursue the Italian, they will have a challenge to take him away from La Liga with Real Madrid in a good position in both the league and Champions League.
Ronaldo will love it
There have been numerous reports about Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford, with rumours that the Portuguese goal machine could leave if the club does not qualify for Champions League football at the end of the season, however his relationship with Ancelotti could save the Red Devils from losing their star.
Ronaldo has a very close relationship with the 62-year-old manager after they worked together at Real Madrid from 2013 to 2015, and once said that he does "miss" his former gaffer in an interview with ESPN:
“He’s an unbelievable person. I just wish every player could have an opportunity to work with him because he’s a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and I miss him a lot because we won many trophies together."
Ancelotti has a large number of major achievements under his belt with three Champions Leagues, a Premier League title, a Ligue 1 title, a Serie A triumph and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies to name a few, and a serial winner to lead the dressing room is something Manchester United are desperate for.
The Red Devils have not won a trophy since 2017, leaving them in their longest drought without a trophy in 40 years so it would be no surprise if the powers at Old Trafford are keen on signing up the Italian manager to fill up the trophy cabinet once again and inspire a winning ethos in the squad.
There is no doubt that appointing Ancelotti this summer would boost the chances of Ronaldo staying at the club next season, and would also put the side in with a great chance of winning trophies. However, it would take something very special to tear him away from Real Madrid.