Rijo Sam Daniel
Roberto Mancini dismisses claims of verbal agreement with Premier League club amidst Manchester United links
Roberto Mancini was involved in claims stating he had a verbal agreement with a Premier League club amidst links to Manchester United. He was linked with the managerial hotseat following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this month.
Mancini has had a mixed year so far as the head coach of the Italian national team. Having missed out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he turned around fortunes in Italy and helped them win the Euro 2020 title. However, his team is yet to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup and would have to go through the playoffs to ensure a spot for next year’s competition.
According to the Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness (h/t Manchester Evening News), the Italian manager was adamant there was no agreement in place with any Premier League club. He also added that the focus is to qualify and win the World Cup.
“A verbal agreement with a Premier League club? All false. My only goal is to get to the World Cup and be able to win it.”
Just a hollow link?
It was clear even before his confirmation that the chances of his appointment as the Red Devils coach were less likely. Having won the continental competition, he would have had a perfect stage to help his home country win the WC. However, with their qualification still not confirmed, he probably would not have left them hanging in such a spot.
His former affiliation with city rivals Manchester City would have been another obstacle regarding a move to Old Trafford. He won them their first league title since the takeover of Sheikh Mansour. It kickstarted their recent dominance across football. While not as strong as the connection with the national team, it would still add to the reasons that prevented him from taking the Man United job.
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Man United were said to be the PL club that contacted him, but the appointment of Ralf Rangnick shows that there was never such agreement in the first place. And with the former Manchester City boss giving us the confirmation, we can firmly say that the links lack substance. At least for now.
