Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville are at odds over who should be the club's next permanent manager, each championing a different 'outstanding candidate' for the role.
The Search for Amorim's Successor
The Old Trafford hierarchy intends to appoint a permanent replacement for the sacked Ruben Amorim in the summer, following a turbulent 14-month reign. A caretaker manager will oversee the team until the season's conclusion.
Michael Carrick has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner for the interim position, moving ahead of another club icon, former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Darren Fletcher had initially taken temporary charge but, after overseeing a 2-2 draw with Burnley and an FA Cup defeat to Brighton, he was not seriously considered for the caretaker role.
There remains a possibility that Carrick, who has impressed in his role at Championship side Middlesbrough, could earn the permanent job if he performs well as caretaker.
Legendary Disagreement on the Top Target
While the club navigates the short-term, the debate over the long-term appointment has ignited a public disagreement between two of its most famous former players.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Wayne Rooney threw his support behind current England manager Thomas Tuchel. "Thomas Tuchel is the outstanding candidate," Rooney stated. He added that while the incoming caretaker has a chance to prove themselves, Tuchel should be the primary target for the permanent role.
Tuchel's contract with the England national team expires after the 2026 World Cup, and he is widely expected to leave the post regardless of the tournament's outcome.
In contrast, Gary Neville has publicly advocated for a sensational move for Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. On The Overlap, Neville outlined four key criteria for the next United manager and argued that Ancelotti is the only candidate who ticks every box.
Neville's Four Managerial Criteria
Neville's framework for the ideal Manchester United manager includes:
- Handling media pressure: The ability to manage the intense scrutiny and noise surrounding the club.
- Proven top-level success: A track record of achieving top-four finishes, managing in the Champions League, and handling superstar egos.
- Understanding of English football: Knowledge of the Premier League and its unique culture.
- Embracing the 'United way': A positive, attacking philosophy that involves risk-taking and playing with pace.
Neville believes Ancelotti uniquely fulfils all these requirements, lamenting that the club could have appointed him back in 2013 before he joined Real Madrid.
The Road Ahead for United
The immediate focus is on appointing a caretaker, ideally before this weekend's Manchester derby against rivals City. United sit seventh in the Premier League table, having won just one of their final five games under Amorim.
Both Tuchel and Ancelotti come with glittering CVs. Tuchel has won the Champions League with Chelsea and league titles in Germany and France with Bayern Munich and PSG. Ancelotti, considered one of the greatest managers of all time, has won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid and managed across Europe's top leagues.
Their immediate commitments, however, could complicate any move. Ancelotti's contract with Brazil also expires after the World Cup, and his arrival could be delayed until late July if Brazil reach the final. The coming months will reveal whether the club's board sides with Rooney's pick, Neville's choice, or opts for a completely different direction.
