Gary Neville has urged INEOS to wait for a world-class coach rather than risk choosing a familiar option, recommending two names that Manchester United should wait for to take charge next season.
On 10 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Gary Neville, the legendary former right-back of Manchester United, clearly stated that if the Red Devils are serious about reclaiming their former glory in this new era, the club should focus on only a few world-class managers. He mentioned Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti as the most suitable profiles to take over the team in the summer.
Neville reasoned that Manchester United should "eliminate the risk," even if it means waiting another 4-5 months, provided they can ultimately secure a proven winning coach.
The former England defender told Sky Sports,
“They should eliminate the risk. I don’t think waiting another four or five months is a bad thing if in the end you have the chance to get a manager like Carlo Ancelotti or Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. A coach at that level, it’s worth the wait.”
Neville also reflected on the club's structural problems over the past 12 years, pointing out that Manchester United has consistently failed to appoint a manager aligned with the club’s DNA.
“Over the past 12 years, the team’s football has been poor. Looking back at managerial appointments, only Jose Mourinho met the club’s standards.”
He also set clear criteria for the kind of coach who should be given the opportunity to lead the Red Devils in the future.
“You need to know this league. Eliminate the risk. Have they managed in the Premier League before? How well do they understand English football? Have they achieved success in Europe and performed well in the UEFA Champions League?”
Based on these criteria, the names Ancelotti and Tuchel are seen as fitting choices, offering experience in England, success on the European stage, and the ability to handle the immense pressure at a club like Manchester United.