One of Casemiro and Matheus Cunha’s key Brazil teammates has shown exactly what Carlo Ancelotti could bring to the table as Manchester United manager.
Carlo Ancelotti has been heavily linked with Manchester United alongside the likes of England head coach Thomas Tuchel and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
Prove me wrong… Carlo Ancelotti should be Ineos’ top option to become permanent manager this summer!
Do you think Ancelotti would be a success? Do we stand a chance of getting him?
Ancelotti graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The 66-year-old Italian has been with the Brazil national team since last summer after Ancelotti left his role at Real Madrid at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Ancelotti has already overseen Brazil’s progression through the World Cup qualifying rounds and will lead the five-time World Cup champions to the 2026 tournament.
The former Real Madrid manager has also brought Casemiro back into the national team fold and the Manchester United midfielder is a key player for Ancelotti again.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney says he played with striker at Man Utd who was better finisher than Cristiano Ronaldo
Carlo Ancelotti is seen prior to the international friendly match between Japan and Brazil at the Tokyo Stadium in 2025 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan.
Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images
Raphinha’s powerful assessment of Carlo Ancelotti shows what Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have already seen with Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti used both Casemiro and Matheus Cunha during Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers after taking charge of the national team on a short-term deal.
More United News
The former AC Milan and Juventus head coach will be out of contract with the Brazil national side after the end of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The uncertainty around Ancelotti’s long-term future with Brazil has sparked speculation that Manchester United could view him as a potential free option.
Does Michael Carrick REALLY have traits like Carlo Ancelotti? Do you see it?!
🔥Hot Take of the Week
Carrick / Ancelotti graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Speaking to Sofascore, Barcelona star Raphinha spoke up about the impact that Brazil head coach Ancelotti had in bringing the players together ahead of the World Cup.
“People think football today is like it was 15 years ago,” he said.
“It’s not. Every team deserves respect. If we think we can just step on the pitch and win because of the shirt, we won’t.
“[Manager Carlo Ancelotti] surprised me a lot. The way he works, the way he stays close to players, it makes a huge difference. After his arrival, we started reconnecting again.”
READ MORE: ‘Interesting’… Gary Neville and Paul Scholes thinking same Man Utd vs Fulham prediction after Michael Carrick’s start
Carlo Ancelotti could easily build on the foundation that Michael Carrick leaves behind at Man Utd
Michael Carrick has already built a major sense of camaraderie in the United first-team squad since he was appointed Red Devils interim head coach earlier this month.
If the 44-year-old United legend builds and maintains the sense of belief that the Red Devils squad hold, it could be the perfect springboard for Ancelotti in the summer.
Who do you think will be Man Utd manager at the start of the 2026/27 season?
🔮 Let us know who you believe will and should be in charge? Who will Ineos appoint?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Raphinha’s assessment of the “huge difference” that Ancelotti has made could catch the eye of United fans even more by the time the World Cup starts in June.
Ancelotti remains a world-class manager and his man-management is still at an elite level, which is exactly what the Red Devils need after the reign of Ruben Amorim.
The Brazil boss could be in a formidable position in the Old Trafford dugout if he can create a sense of unity at Man Utd beyond what Michael Carrick has already done.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox