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Louis van Gaal latest: Carlo Ancelotti sounded out for Manchester United job in November
The club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly contacted the former Chelsea manager, only to be told the Italian was in negotiations with Bayern Munich
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Carlo Ancelotti was sounded out as a replacement for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal at the end of last year, according to reports.
The club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly contacted the former Chelsea manager in mid-November, only to be told by Ancelotti that he was too late as the Italian had made significant progress in negotiations with Bayern Munich.
According to the Daily Mail, Ancelotti’s agreement to join the Bundesliga champions had not been finalised, but the Italian had “great confidence in the existing structures” that were in place at the club.
He was duly named as the replacement of outgoing head coach Pep Guardiola just before Christmas and will take charge at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
Van Gaal, who was chosen personally by Woodward to succeed the dismissed David Moyes two years ago, is under pressure to turn results around at Old Trafford following a dismal end to the calendar year.
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The club witnessed the worst December in its 138-year history, drawing two and losing four of their six games that month, which was compounded by their elimination from this year’s Champions League at the group stage.
United’s form seemed to leave Van Gaal on the brink over the Christmas period, but Woodward is believed to be determined to see the former Ajax and Barcelona manager succeed.
Recent results, namely the goalless draw against Chelsea and narrow home win over Swansea City, and cooled the speculation which saw Jose Mourinho heavily linked with the Old Trafford post.
The Portuguese coach is still the favourite to replace Van Gaal, although there are reportedly reservations among club officials over whether his infamously divisive personality would be too much of a risk.
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