Manchester United have reportedly identified Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as a potential short-term option to replace Ralf Rangnick as head coach this summer.
Rangnick will step down from his role as interim boss at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, and the Red Devils are believed to be keen to appoint Paris Saint-Germain's Mauricio Pochettino as their next head coach.
However, according to ESPN, the 20-time English champions are also making contingency plans in the event that they are unable to secure one of their leading targets.
The report claims that Ancelotti's close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson has put him firmly in the picture for the role, with Man United attracted by the Italian's experience and ability to manage a dressing room with a number of high-profile players.
The 62-year-old has previously managed Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League, while he returned to Real Madrid last summer, penning a deal until June 2024.
Los Blancos are currently top of La Liga, six points clear of second-placed Sevilla, but Ancelotti was criticised for his team's performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash, and there have been claims that he could leave Bernabeu at the end of the current season.
The Italian won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two-year spell at Chelsea.