Manchester United are considering a trio of former Chelsea managers as they begin their search for a permanent successor to the departed Ruben Amorim.
Amorim's Disappointing Reign Cut Short
The club made the decision to sack Amorim last week, bringing an end to his underwhelming 14-month tenure at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach arrived with a formidable reputation as a two-time title winner in his homeland and one of Europe's most highly-rated talents.
However, his time in charge failed to meet expectations. Last season culminated in a dismal 15th-place Premier League finish and a loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. While there were glimpses of improvement this campaign, inconsistent league form and a shocking Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town proved fatal for his prospects.
The Three-Man Shortlist of Former Blues Bosses
According to reports, United's shortlist features three men who have all previously managed Chelsea. The leading candidates are understood to be England manager Thomas Tuchel and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner.
But the Daily Mirror reveals that two other ex-Chelsea figures are also in the frame: Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino.
Tuchel, who is currently contracted to the England national team until after this summer's World Cup, famously led Chelsea to Champions League glory during his two years at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino's stint in West London was less successful, lasting just one season before he took over as manager of the United States national team. His tenure with the USA has been unconvincing, and he is widely anticipated to leave after the World Cup.
Ancelotti, regarded as one of the finest managers in football history, won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two-year Chelsea spell between 2009 and 2011. He is currently in charge of the Brazilian national team, a role he has held since May 2025.
Neville Backs Ancelotti as 'Outstanding' Choice
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has publicly endorsed Ancelotti as the prime candidate for the job. Speaking on The Overlap, Neville stated: 'The outstanding candidate for me would be Carlo Ancelotti.'
He acknowledged that a move for the Italian might be delayed until late July if Brazil reaches the World Cup final, but insisted no other candidate fulfils the club's needs as completely.
Neville also revealed that United had held talks with Ancelotti back in 2013, but a potential deal was scuppered when he agreed to join Real Madrid.
In Neville's view, Thomas Tuchel and Eddie Howe would be the next names on his shortlist, praising both for their Premier League expertise and Champions League experience.
Interim Appointment Expected Imminently
United are first expected to appoint a caretaker manager on a short-term basis next week, with current interim boss Darren Fletcher a frontrunner for that temporary role. This stand-in manager will then steer the team until the end of the season, when a permanent appointment will be made.
The club's hierarchy now faces a critical period, with this next managerial decision viewed as pivotal to turning around the fortunes of the struggling footballing institution.
