Roberto Mancini has emerged as a shock candidate to become the next permanent manager of Manchester United.
The former Manchester City manager is believed to be under consideration for the position, as the Red Devils assess permanent candidates to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.
United have announced former RB Leipzig coach Rangnick as interim manager on a six-month deal following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the German set to move into a consultatory position at the end of the current campaign.
The Telegraph are reporting that Mancini is a potential managerial target for the club, despite his previous allegiances to Manchester City being a ‘potentially complicating factor’.
Mancini spent four seasons at the Etihad and guided the club to FA Cup and Premier League success, before winning three league titles during a spell with Inter Milan.
The 57-year-old is currently in charge of the Italian national side and led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 success last summer, though the European champions will have to navigate the play-offs in March – potentially facing Portugal – to reach the World Cup in Qatar next year.
Should Italy fail to secure qualification, it could accelerate United’s interest in Mancini, though he could be persuaded by an approach from Old Trafford regardless of their play-off success.
Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers are amongst the other names in the frame for the position.
