Cristiano Ronaldo has already given his backing to Carlo Ancelotti amid Manchester United links

Cristiano Ronaldo has already given his backing to Carlo Ancelotti amid the Real Madrid boss being linked with Manchester United.

Ancelotti has emerged as a possible contender for the Old Trafford hot seat, with United still looking to make a permanent appointment before the end of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are the favourites for the job and remain the frontrunners as United look to get their new man in before the summer. Other names to have been suggested include Brendan Rodgers, Luis Enrique and Antonio Conte.

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Ancelotti becomes the latest name to join them on the list, with ESPN suggesting United could see the Italian as a solid appointment. The report suggests Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended the club consider bringing him in on a short-term basis.

The rumours come amid uncertainty over Ancelotti’s position at Real. The former AC Milan and Chelsea boss is said to be under pressure after losing the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Pochettino has been suggested as a possible replacement for Ancelotti, which would scupper any hopes United might have of appointing the Argentine. However, Ancelotti’s availability could then work in United's favour.

And Ronaldo would certainly be on board with the appointment. The Portuguese ace has previously admitted he wants to work with Ancelotti again following their time together in Spain.

"He's like a big teddy bear, he's really sensitive and is a great guy," Ronaldo told Marca back in 2015.

"He would speak with us every day, but not just with me, with all of the players. He had great fun with us. He's a great person and my only wish