Manchester United were linked with Carlo Ancelotti as a potential managerial appointment but Michael Carrick already has similar traits in his management style.
The process of hiring a permanent head coach at Manchester United is underway and Michael Carrick has made himself a frontrunner by impressing as an interim head coach.
Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with the United job, but his current responsibilities as the manager of the Brazil national team means that a summer appointment is unlikely.
Recently, former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale backed Ancelotti to succeed at United if he did take the reins at Old Trafford. But United may have a young version of their own Carlo Ancelotti in the shape of Carrick
Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil
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Michael Carrick has similar traits to Carlo Ancelotti
In a world of robotic and rigid football tactics, Ancelotti stands out for the freedom and responsibility he gives his players to perform.
Speaking to the Coaches’ Voice in 2020, John Terry spoke highly about Ancelotti’s management style: “I’ve never had a manager actually, in probably all my career, that asked the players and gave them a bit of responsibility.”
As per AllFootball, Cristiano Ronaldo called Ancelotti an “unbelievable” coach because he was “sensitive” with players. Kaka also said that Ancelotti’s “most impressive characteristic” was his “ability to manage people”, adding: “he leaves this nice feeling with the players’ hearts.”
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Allesandro Nesta also said of Ancelotti: “He’s a sponge who absorbs problems and lets the team calm down.”
Sound familiar? Carrick has had a similar soothing impact at United following on from Ruben Amorim’s time in the hot seat.
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Michael Carrick is calming presence that Man United need
Ancelotti has even been nicknamed ‘Cool Carlo’ because of his demeanour and composure on the touchline, and that is very similar to what United fans have seen from Carrick this season.
Wayne Rooney pointed out Carrick’s calm nature on the bench, and United players have also commented on how he has brought calm behind the scenes.
In terms of allowing players to express themselves, Bruno Fernandes commented: “I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility, but also some freedom to take the responsibility on the pitch during the decisions that are needed.”
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This United squad have reacted very well to Carrick’s arrival and his trust in players is resulting in better performances and, crucially, better results.
United may not need to go all out for Ancelotti in the summer when Carrick has shades of the Italian in his own coaching style.
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