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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Cristiano Ronaldo's view on Carlo Ancelotti as Man Utd eye move for Real Madrid boss

Manchester United megastar Cristiano Ronaldo has already given his opinion on his former boss Carlo Ancelotti, with reports suggesting they are considering moving for the current Real Madrid manager in the summer.

United handed Ralf Rangnick the reins on an interim basis after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was axed back in November.

And with the season entering the final few months, attention at Old Trafford is now starting to turn towards the search for the Norwegian's full-time replacement.

Although Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag have been persistently linked with the role, a new report from the Times claims that Ancelotti is a new name on the shortlist the club have put together.

The Italian coach is currently in charge at Real Madrid after curtailing his year-long stint with Everton in the summer.

Ancelotti isn't viewed as a 'leading candidate' for the position, but he is viewed as a potential 'back-up' option incase United fail to strike a deal for their first-choice target.

Join the debate! Who do you think Man Utd should appoint in the summer? Let us know here.

While Ancelotti may the an underwhelming choice for some United fans, it's likely the 62-year-old would be a popular appointment with Ronaldo.

The pair spent two years together during Ancelotti's previous reign at Real Madrid - and Ronaldo waxed lyrical about his former coach after his exit from the Bernabeu.

"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 is that every player gets the chance to work with him because he's such a great guy and a fantastic coach.

"I miss him a lot. I want to work with him again, but I'm doing fine now too. I'm working with a new coach and I'm happy now too. But it's great to have these good memories of him."

There have been numerous reports claiming that Ronaldo is considering his long-term future at the club in the wake of United's struggles this season.

However, a move for Ancelotti could go some way to persuading Ronaldo to remain at the club.

It seems obvious that the club's choice of manager will play a role in deciding the 37-year-old's future - and United are desperate to keep hold of their talisman.

Despite bearing the brunt of criticism this season, Ronaldo has racked up stellar returns.

The Portuguese superstar tops United's scoring charts after plundering 15 goals in 30 games; including some vital goals in both the Premier League and Europe.

Ronaldo has previously spoken of his admiration for Ancelotti and his desire to work with the Italian again (Stuart Franklin)

Ronaldo has struggled for form lately under Rangnick. But despite Rangnick backing the striker, Ronaldo has reportedly already made it clear that he would not support the German getting the role on a full-time basis.

Ancelotti is one of the most decorated coaches in Europe, but is under pressure in Spain.

The Los Blancos coach is a long-time friend of Sir Alex Ferguson - which could help endear him further to the Old Trafford hierarchy if they run into difficulty in their summer recruitment process.

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