Carlo Ancelotti has been endorsed as the next permanent Manchester United manager.
Carlo Ancelotti during a Real Madrid press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti during a Real Madrid press conference. (Image: Getty Images)
Gareth Bale labelled Carlo Ancelotti a "genius" and a potential next Manchester United manager, explaining that "he'll simplify things" to get the best out of the squad. Michael Carrick took charge at Old Trafford on an interim basis through to the end of the season and has overseen six victories from eight matches thus far.
Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle marked his first loss since the ex-midfielder replaced Ruben Amorim. His impressive record has positioned him as a contender for the permanent role come summer. However, United may also explore alternative candidates, with numerous managers already being touted for the position.
Ancelotti stands among those linked with the job. The 66-year-old currently manages Brazil and will guide them through this year's World Cup in North America.
Ancelotti boasts extensive credentials, having taken charge of some of football's most prestigious clubs. The Italian worked alongside Bale during his initial spell at Real Madrid from 2013 to 2015, with the Welsh icon offering glowing praise for his former boss.
Ex-Tottenham star Bale told Stick to Football: "He did well at Everton. I think he would do great.
"He's not just a manager, he's a coach as well, and he can do the tactical stuff as well. When his son was the head coach in his second spell, he did a lot more tactically then, but I think we had a better team the first time.
"Wherever Carlo goes, he will do an amazing job, just because he gets everybody on board. If you go to a big club and got good players, whether they're performing at the time or not, like Man United, they have been in the last couple of weeks but prior to that haven't, they've got good players and he'll get the best out of good players."
Gareth Bale on Stick to Football.
Gareth Bale endorsed Carlo Ancelotti taking over at Manchester United. (Image: Stick to Football)
But Bale's three-word assessment on how Ancelotti would transform United may ring the loudest in his assessment, at least in INEOS' eyes.
"He'll simplify things," Bale added. "You see now with Michael Carrick, he's simplified a lot of things that the previous manager was doing and you're getting results. So that's Carlo's genius, getting the best out of players and making it simple."
Whether Ancelotti would entertain accepting the position remains uncertain. Last year, the Italian was clear about his stance regarding a potential return to club management.
"Real Madrid is the only team I will accept managing after Brazil," he said.
Beyond Real Madrid, the experienced coach has previously overseen Everton, Napoli, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, AC Milan, Juventus and Parma.
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