Roberto Mancini emerges as ‘surprise contender’ for Manchester United job

Mancini won the 2011/2012 Premier League title with Man City

Roberto Mancini has emerged as a surprised candidate to take over as manager at Manchester United next summer, according to reports. The Italy manager is reportedly one of several contenders that the Red Devils hierarchy is considering for the permanent role at Old Trafford.

Roberto Mancini is a 'wild card candidate' to become the next Man United manager.

According to The Telegraph, Mancini is under consideration for the position, despite his past as Manchester City manager. The Italian was City manager between 2009 and 2013 and helped the club win the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League in 2012. His history with City has reportedly not deterred the United decision-makers. Mancini is currently the Italy national team coach and has achieved success in the role. The Azzurri won Euro 2020 last summer playing an exciting brand of attacking football. https://twitter.com/ManCityMEN/status/1464474066140614659 Italy, however, must navigate a playoff to reach the 2022 World Cup. Mancini's team take-on North Macedonia in the semi-finals on March 24 before a potentially mouth-watering tie against either Portugal or Turkey in the final five days later. It is thought that the 57-year-old is firmly committed to his current role, where he is contracted until 2026, but the chance to return to the Premier League is believed to hold an 'appeal' to the Italian. Mancini won three league titles as Inter Milan manager between 2004 and 2008. He has also coached Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg.

Man United's search for a new manager.

The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of the former RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season earlier this week, with the German replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Following his stint in the hot-seat, the 63-year-old will continue at United in a technical consultancy position and is expected to be involved in the search for a permanent manager. A number of other names have been discussed as Solskjaer's long-term successor, with current Paris-Saint Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, Ajax chief Erik ten Hag and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers all in the frame for the job. If Man United want to appoint Rodgers, they would have to pay Leicester £20m in compensation.