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Football Insider

Gareth Bale and Paul Scholes endorse Carlo Ancelotti for Manchester United job

Gareth Bale and Paul Scholes have united in their praise for Carlo Ancelotti, identifying the legendary Italian as the ideal candidate to revive Manchester United. The former Real Madrid star believes Ancelotti’s tactical simplicity and elite man management could finally stabilise the Red Devils following a period of immense coaching turnover.

Gareth Bale and Paul Scholes endorse Carlo Ancelotti for Manchester United job

Gareth Bale and Paul Scholes have united in their praise for Carlo Ancelotti, identifying the legendary Italian as the ideal candidate to revive Manchester United. The former Real Madrid star believes Ancelotti’s tactical simplicity and elite man management could finally stabilise the Red Devils following a period of immense coaching turnover.Bale has joined Red Devils icon Scholes in claiming that Ancelotti would be a "great" choice to take over the hotseat at Old Trafford. The Welshman, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell under the Italian at Madrid, believes the veteran tactician has the specific "genius" required to restore Man Utd to their former glory.The endorsement carries significant weight given Bale’s history with the 66-year-old. Having made almost a century of appearances under Ancelotti across two stints at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale witnessed firsthand the methods that secured Champions League and Copa del Rey titles. Bale is convinced that the current Brazil head coach possesses the rare blend of tactical flexibility and psychological insight needed for the Manchester pressure cooker."I think he would do great [at Manchester United]. He's not just the manager, he is a coach as well. He can do the tactical stuff [too]," Bale told The Overlap when discussing the prospect of Ancelotti moving to the Premier League giants. "Wherever Carlo goes, I think he would do an amazing job, just because he gets everyone on board."If you go into a big club, you've got good players, whether they're performing at the time or not. Like Man United, they have been the last few weeks, but, prior to that, they hadn't been performing, but they've got good players. He'll get the best out of players and will just simplify things, which you see now with Michael Carrick. He's simplifying 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 the players and just making it simple."Previous comments made by Scholes echo that sentiment, arguing that United’s stars need a manager who makes them "feel like a million dollars" while commanding the room with an undeniable presence. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the legendary midfielder admitted he is desperate to see a veteran leader of Ancelotti’s ilk arrive. He said: "The perfect one out there - I say perfect - Ancelotti is still out there."I know he is coach of Brazil... he is the perfect one for Manchester United where you think he will make players feel a million dollars. And he has the experience of winning stuff."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe focus remains on Carrick as he attempts to turn his temporary stint into a permanent role. He tasted his first defeat in charge of the club with a painful 2-1 loss at Newcastle, and the manager will be looking to get the Red Devils back to winning ways when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15. The match is crucial as both teams sit tied on 51 points from 29 matches in third and fourth place in the Premier League table respectively, with both aiming to secure Champions League qualification.

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The Weight of Bale's Endorsement

Gareth Bale, who enjoyed success under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has expressed his belief that the esteemed coach possesses the unique qualities needed to lead a club like Manchester United back to glory. Drawing from his personal experience of working with Ancelotti, Bale highlights the manager's ability to simplify tactics and bring out the best in players, a crucial aspect especially in high-pressure environments. The endorsement from Bale, based on his firsthand observation of Ancelotti's methods and successes, adds significant credibility to the speculation around Ancelotti's potential appointment at Old Trafford.

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Scholes' Desire for a Veteran Leader

Paul Scholes, a Manchester United icon, has also voiced his support for Carlo Ancelotti as a managerial candidate for the Red Devils. Scholes emphasized the importance of United needing a manager who can uplift and inspire the players while commanding respect through experience and a track record of winning trophies. Ancelotti's track record, including managing top clubs and leading them to silverware, aligns with Scholes' vision of the ideal candidate for Manchester United's leadership role. The endorsement from Scholes further solidifies the argument for Ancelotti's suitability for the job.

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Focus on Carrick Amidst Transition

As Michael Carrick continues his temporary role as Manchester United's manager, the team faces a period of transition and uncertainty. Carrick, who experienced his first defeat in charge against Newcastle, is striving to stabilize the team's performance and secure positive results. With his focus on simplifying tactics and getting the best out of the players, similar to Ancelotti's reputed coaching style, Carrick aims to prove himself as a worthy candidate for a permanent managerial position at Old Trafford. The upcoming match against Aston Villa presents a crucial opportunity for Carrick to showcase his managerial skills and lead the team to victory, strengthening his case for a long-term role with the club.

Published on Mar 5, 2026