Why Manchester United could regret missing out in manager merry-go-round as Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola take new posts

The Old Trafford hierarchy are determined to persevere with Louis van Gaal - but look set to miss out on the two best coaches in Europe as a result

(Getty Images)

This summer the transfer window will to be fascinating - but it promises to be managers rather than players causing the the biggest headlines.

The Independent understands that Bayern Munich have moved for Carlo Ancelotti having grown impatient with Pep Guardiola's indecision over whether he will remain at the Allianz Arena.

Such a move should trigger Guardiola to join Manchester City, who have coveted the former Barcelona coach for years and are in pole position for his services.

Guardiola and Ancelotti are arguably the two most sought after managers in football - their records almost unrivalled. Where they move will change the shape of the football landscape and almost certainly enhance the fortunes of the sides they manage, which is why Manchester United fans will be looking on in bewilderment that neither appears destined for Old Trafford unless there is a major shift in the current situation.

Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have floundered. After the alarming drop in results under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal can be credited with returning the club to the Champions League (albeit only to then be knocked out in the group stage) but not delivering the attacking football expected and demanded by supporters. An incredible outlay of £250m on transfers has only magnified the perceived failings.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Ancelotti has made clear his admiration for United and ambition to manage at Old Trafford, as has Guardiola. According to a book chronicling his first season at Bayern Munich it was claimed that whilst sitting at Old Trafford the Spaniard said: "I like this atmosphere. I could see myself coaching here one day."

Pep Guardiola (GETTY IMAGES)

Despite the knowledge that Old Trafford is an attractive proposition for the pair the Manchester United hierarchy are expected to let Van Gaal at least see out his contract - which lasts until 2017.

Should the Dutchman leave then, Ancelotti and Guardiola would be just a year into their spells at Bayern and Manchester City respectively. Jurgen Klopp would not have fulfilled his ambitions at Liverpool. It's a scenario that could leave Manchester United faced with a lack of credible options and left regretting their failure, or at least lack of an attempt, to make a managerial change earlier down the line.

However, there is another known admirer of the Old Trafford hot seat with an incredible managerial record and right now it is impossible to tell whether he will still be in his current job. Step forward Jose Mourinho.