Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has put forward Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel as the two managers he believes are best suited to replace interim head coach Michael Carrick at the end of the season.
Neville’s comments came after Manchester United’s impressive 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, a result that further strengthened Carrick’s case to remain in charge until the conclusion of the campaign.
The former England defender praised United’s display against the Gunners, noting that the performance reflected the standards traditionally associated with the club. According to Neville, the players showed the intensity, energy and tactical discipline that had been missing in recent times.
Despite the positive result, Neville stressed that United must think long-term when it comes to appointing a permanent manager. He argued that Carrick should be allowed to see out the season, providing stability while the club prepares for a major managerial appointment in the summer.
Neville suggested that United should target an elite coach with proven experience at the highest level, naming Ancelotti and Tuchel as ideal candidates. Both managers are currently engaged in international roles, with Ancelotti leading Brazil and Tuchel in charge of England, but Neville believes their pedigree makes them suitable for the Old Trafford job.
“Forget the fact that they’ve won the game against Arsenal,” Neville said. “They’ve played the game properly. That’s how I expect Manchester United to play, with intensity, energy and quality.”
He added that Carrick’s role should be clearly defined during this transitional period.
“It’s right that Michael Carrick keeps the job until the end of the season,” Neville continued. “Then he can hand the baton over to someone like Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti, a manager of that world-class calibre. That, for me, is what his job is now.”
Neville concluded by emphasising that United must be ambitious with their next appointment if they are to return to competing consistently at the top level, insisting that only a proven, elite coach can restore the club to its former standards.
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