Carlo Ancelotti reveals he turned down chance to manage Manchester United
Speaking ahead of the league cup quarter-final (h/t Mirror), Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that he had an offer from Sir Alex Ferguson to succeed him as Manchester United manager.
Ancelotti took over the helm at Everton in December 2019. He now finds himself facing Manchester United in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
The Italian manager is on a mission to deliver Everton’s first silverware since 1995. The former AC Milan manager has identified the league cup as an opportunity to end Everton’s longest drought without silverware.
However, Ancelotti could have been in the away dugout at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Ancelotti revealed that he met with Sir Alex Ferguson after the Scotsman called it quits at Old Trafford, and had the offer to take over.
However, Ancelotti had already agreed to manage Real Madrid by that time and hence refused.
“I was close to Real Madrid, and so I appreciate the fact that at that time he (Sir Alex Ferguson) talked to me. And that’s it, no other opportunity (to manage United).”
What could have been…
Of course, the Red Devils went on to appoint David Moyes as Sir Alex’s successor. The appointment was the start of a tumultuous 7-year period which saw United change manager 5 times.
In the meantime, Ancelotti won 7 trophies with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, including the UEFA Champions League. (h/t Mirror)
It could have all turned out remarkably differently had the former Real Madrid agreed to take charge of the club.
Nevertheless, the Red Devils have found their feet under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in recent times.
After a shock exit from the Champions League, a run of 7 unbeaten matches has seen us come within 5 points of Liverpool at the top of the table.
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- John O’Shea backs Manchester United to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title
Solskjaer will go head-to-head against Ancelotti on Wednesday night in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. A win for United will see them make their 4th semi-final under their Norwegian manager.
