Roberto Mancini, former manager of Manchester City and the Italy national team, recently told people around him that he expects to become the successor if Manchester United sacks manager Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United's poor start to the season has put immense pressure on Amorim. Before the team's recent win over Sunderland, the manager admitted that his tenure would be short-lived if results did not improve. The remark came after United's defeat to Brentford, but sources from Ineos assured at the time that Sir Jim Ratcliffe still supported Amorim and planned to let him manage until the end of the season.
The British billionaire reaffirmed his stance during the international break, insisting in an interview that he had no intention of sacking the 40-year-old Amorim and even hinting at possibly giving him three years to prove himself. However, according to The Sun, if United do part ways with Amorim, Mancini—who has been unemployed since leaving his Saudi club a year ago—could be a strong candidate.
Reports claim the Italian coach has told friends he believes he would be a potential candidate for the position under such circumstances. The 60-year-old Mancini has managed Inter Milan, Zenit St. Petersburg, the Italy national team and Galatasaray, among others, and is said to have connections with Ratcliffe. Like the 72-year-old Ratcliffe, Mancini also owns a residence in the south of France, and it is believed the two have met at various social events .
Mancini boasts a brilliant coaching resume with numerous honors. His most notable achievements include leading Italy to win the 2020 European Championship and guiding Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012 . However, given his ties to United's bitter rivals, his chances of taking charge at Old Trafford seem slim .
Besides Mancini, managers such as Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate are also seen as potential replacements for Amorim. Mancini remains a beloved legend among Manchester City fans, having overseen 191 games and secured 113 wins during his three-and-a-half seasons in charge of the Citizens .
