Former Manchester City and Italy national team manager Roberto Mancini has recently told people close to him that he could be a contender to take over at Manchester United if the club sacks head coach Ruben Amorim, according to reports.
United’s poor start to the season has put immense pressure on Amorim. Prior to the team’s recent win over Sunderland, the manager admitted his time in charge would be limited if results failed to improve. This comment came after United’s defeat to Brentford, though sources from INEOS stated at the time that Sir Jim Ratcliffe still backed Amorim and planned to let him see out 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 and even suggested he might give Amorim three years to prove himself. However, media reports claim that if United do part ways with Amorim, Mancini—who has been out of work since leaving his Saudi club role a year ago—could well be a candidate.
It is reported that the Italian coach has told friends he believes he would be a potential candidate for the position in such a scenario. The 60-year-old Mancini, who has managed clubs including Inter Milan, Zenit, Galatasaray and the Italy national team, is understood to have connections with Ratcliffe. Like the 72-year-old Ratcliffe, Mancini also owns a residence in the south of France, and the pair are believed to have met at various social events.
Mancini boasts an illustrious managerial career with numerous honors. His most notable achievements include leading Italy to victory at Euro 2020 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 extremely slim.
Beyond Mancini, coaches 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.
