Carlo Ancelotti signs contract amid Manchester United manager links

Manchester United’s managerial situation continues to dominate conversation around Old Trafford as the club carefully weighs its next permanent move.

Since the departure of Ruben Amorim, speculation has been relentless, with fans and pundits alike linking elite, proven names to the dugout.

The appeal of experience, trophies and calm authority has been a recurring theme in discussions about who should eventually steady the ship.

With a World Cup cycle approaching, several high-profile coaches have been viewed as potential post-tournament options.

However, developments away from Manchester are now beginning to reshape that landscape in a significant way.

One of the most talked-about candidates in recent months has been Carlo Ancelotti, but Manchester United’s hopes of landing the Italian look increasingly slim.

Reports from Globo indicate that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Carlo Ancelotti have already reached an agreement in principle to extend his contract as head coach of the national team through to the 2030 World Cup.

The 66-year-old is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this Friday after spending the festive period abroad, with the formal signing of the new deal anticipated in the first weeks of February.

Talks over his continuation reportedly began back in October and accelerated towards the end of the year, with Ancelotti fully aligned with the terms proposed by the CBF.

At this stage, only bureaucratic and legal details remain before the extension is officially finalised.

Financially, the renewal keeps Ancelotti firmly at the summit of international football management.

He already earns around £8.6 million per year, making him the highest-paid national team coach in the world, and the extension is expected to maintain similar conditions, with tweaks to performance-related bonuses.

His current contract also includes a £4.3 million bonus should Brazil secure a sixth World Cup title in 2026.

Ancelotti is said to be highly satisfied with the working arrangement, which allows him to divide his time between his family in Canada and periods spent in Rio de Janeiro.

Negotiations have been described as natural and consensual, with the CBF believing he has restored direction, competitiveness and belief within the squad ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Crucially, Brazilian officials have stressed that the desire to renew his deal is not dependent on World Cup results, underlining their long-term vision.

For Manchester United, this represents a major shift.

Since Amorim’s dismissal, Ancelotti has repeatedly been mentioned as a dream candidate to take charge after the World Cup, given his pedigree, calm authority and track record at elite clubs.

With Brazil now moving decisively to secure him until 2030, that door appears to be closing, forcing United to reassess their long-term managerial shortlist as the global coaching market tightens.