Manchester United have been handed Roberto Mancini wildcard option in manager search
There were four names leading the shortlist for Manchester United in their efforts to secure a new manager for this summer, but just as the process was gathering momentum a new option has emerged for the Old Trafford decision-makers.
Given his history on the other side of the town, it might be that Roberto Mancini’s name is discarded as quickly as it’s added, but he is worthy of consideration in a process that United just have to get right. Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag have been the leading contenders to land the job for months, with Julen Lopetegui also under consideration, as is Spain boss Luis Enrique, although the World Cup this winter makes that appointment an unlikely one.
Mancini has no such commitments now after Italy’s astonishing play-off defeat to North Macedonia on Thursday night, depriving the Azzurri of yet another World Cup. It’s hard to gauge how much of the blame for this stunning failure to qualify to lay at the door of Mancini, but it’s less than 12 months since he was guiding Italy to the title of European champions.
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Speaking after last night’s defeat in Palermo, Mancini said of his future: “We will see. I think everyone is too disappointed right now to talk about the future.”
There must be a possibility that he will now seek a return to club management and while recency bias might see him remembered for overseeing this failure, his Italy side were the outstanding team in Europe for most of his tenure and played some outstanding football on their way to winning Euro 2020.
Mancini’s side were the best team in that tournament and - in a shift from previous Italian sides - played the best football as well. There was rotation in midfield,
