Manchester United’s search for their next permanent manager has been narrowed after two candidates dropped out of contention by agreeing new contracts with their current employers.
Thomas Tuchel recently extended his contract with England (Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to extend his contract with Brazil and announced his withdrawal from the race to become Manchester United’s next manager. The news follows the decision of manager Thomas Tuchel, who is also rumored to be a target, to sign a new contract with England.
Ancelotti, 66, is rumored to be linked with the vacant spot at Old Trafford soon, along with Tuchel, 52. United are yet to decide who will be their manager next season, but Michael Carrick is currently in charge on an interim basis.
Carrick’s strong start (4 wins, 1 draw) has increased his chances of taking the job permanently, although the Red Devils are taking time to work on him behind the scenes. But one man who won’t be in the hot seat at Old Trafford is Ancelotti.
The former Real Madrid manager has agreed to a new four-year contract with the Brazilian national team, The Athletic reports. Ancelotti only took over as manager in May 2025 and has yet to manage a major competition.
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The Italian helped Brazil qualify for the World Cup, but they were drawn in the same group as Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Ancelotti, like Tuchel, appears to be enjoying his first job in international football.
On Thursday, the FA announced that the former Chelsea manager had signed a two-year contract extension. Tuchel met with United leaders in 2024 to discuss replacing Erik ten Hag, who was ultimately not sacked.
Asked if he had discussed this with the club before choosing to stay in England beyond the World Cup, Tuchel said: “It’s confidential. But I was very keen on the idea of staying beyond November and so was the free agency.”
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Carlo Ancelotti is rumored to be linked with the Manchester United job (Image: Emilee Chinn – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“I don’t know if they were worried or not. They were obviously completely focused during the qualifying period so there was no reason to worry and we started talking right after that.”
“I was always committed to this idea of a contract extension, and the free agent was always committed. There were no games, I didn’t have to think about anything. The process was very easy. There may be a temptation to go back to club football, but not for the next two-and-a-half years.”
United continue to consider their options, with Roberto de Zerbi now available on a free transfer after leaving Marseille. Oliver Glasner has also confirmed that he will leave Crystal Palace at the end of this season. However, if Carrick maintains this rich form, there is a good chance that he will be let go by the club.
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