Roberto Mancini has turned down the managerial position at Manchester United
According to journalist Christian Falk (h/t Sports Mole), Italy national team boss Roberto Mancini has rejected the offer to become the manager of Manchester United.
The Red Devils had contacted the former Manchester City manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure. However, the 56-year-old reportedly turned them down as his primary focus right now is to help Italy qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The Italian has an impressive resume, and his acute tactical understanding of the game would have been a key asset for the Red Devils. However, it would appear it is not meant to be.
Man United are currently placed eighth in the Premier League table and are 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea. The Red Devils have been struggling to get favourable results of late and have been subjected to several humiliating losses this season.
The club has been leaking many goals at the back, while the attack has also left much to be desired. Mancini has extensive experience in the Premier League and guided Manchester City to the Premier League title and the League Cup during his time at the Etihad from 2009 and 2013. His spell with the Sky Blues showed he has the aptitude to get a team full of superstars to perform as a unit.
This could be a great asset for him to navigate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and co suitably. His affinity to arch-rivals Manchester City could also have proven to be a great stumbling block.
A proven winner
Mancini is coming off the back of a very impressive run with the Italian team. He led them to the UEFA European Football Championship earlier this summer, beating England in the showpiece event at Wembley. The Italian has varied experience and has also won major trophies through his coaching years. His style of play also demands a certain intensity based on the foundation of a rock-solid defence.
It may take some time to get this backline in shape. However, Mancini’s track record shows that he would be more than capable of doing so at Man United. The Red Devils have the quality. Allll they need is the right man in charge to make the key decisions pertaining to tactics and formation.
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While the search for a permanent manager will have to wait until the summer, Man United have zeroed in on Ralf Rannick to take over as the interim boss for the remainder of the season. The German is an astute thinker and will add more tactical nous to a Red Devils side brimming with talent.
