Why Carlo Ancelotti Refused Manchester United: AC Milan and Real Madrid Legend Explains ‘Too Much Pressure’
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has disclosed why Carlo Ancelotti, despite his incredible achievements, never desired to lead Manchester United.
Solskjaer, who managed United from 2018 to 2021, during Ancelotti’s tenure at Everton, explained that the acclaimed Italian coach considered the pressure at Old Trafford too immense.
Solskjaer revealed this insight stemmed from a specific encounter between United and Everton.
Ancelotti’s career has been marked by exceptional success, establishing him as one of the finest managers ever.
His trophy cabinet boasts numerous accolades earned at prestigious clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid (on two occasions), PSG, and Bayern Munich.
Currently, Ancelotti aspires to add a World Cup title to his impressive resume, having accepted the role of head coach for Brazil back in May.
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While Brazil has secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, their performance in the qualification phase was underwhelming, finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL table, significantly behind Argentina.
However, even with his experience at some of the globe’s most prominent clubs, Ancelotti confided in Solskjaer during a Premier League match between United and Everton that he felt unable to cope with the considerable “burden” of managing the Red Devils.
He Ancelotti Says the Man Utd Job Comes With ‘Too Much Pressure
During an interview with Kelly Somers of BBC Sport, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shared his perspective on the intense demands of managing a globally renowned football club.
He recounted an anecdote from a match against Everton, stating: “I recall a particular match against Everton. I was positioned in my designated area on the sideline, with the fourth official beside me.
“Then, Carlo Ancelotti approached, encroaching on my space. The fourth official jokingly warned Ancelotti to return to his own area, implying he risked vying for Solskjaer’s managerial position.
“Ancelotti, known for his wit and charm, responded with a smile, stating that the job carried excessive strain.
He then retreated to his own space, leaving Solskjaer to reflect on the notion that ‘pressure is a privilege,’ a sentiment Ancelotti himself frequently expressed.”
The conversation alluded to Ancelotti’s relatively brief tenure at Everton, which concluded after only a year and a half, despite his initial long-term commitment.
Ancelotti eventually made a comeback to Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, taking over from Zinedine Zidane after the latter’s departure from the head coach role.
Even though his tenure as Manchester United’s leader concluded unexpectedly in November 2021, Solskjaer maintains that he considered it an ‘honor’ to be in charge at Old Trafford.
“It was a great honor to manage Manchester United, though it’s a different experience than being a player,” the Norwegian explained.
“As a player, your focus is primarily on your own performance and responsibilities. As the manager, you become the representative for the entire organization.
You are constantly aware of the supporters, the players, and everything associated with Manchester United.
But that pressure was a welcome responsibility, as it allowed me to lead and manage the team in my own way.
“I was fortunate to have a fantastic team of assistants and staff, creating a really positive atmosphere within the club.
Ultimately though, enjoying your work and the training sessions isn’t enough; you need victories and, unfortunately, we went through a poor run of form for about six weeks.
That was simply too long for a club like Manchester United, and the club decided to make a change, which I understand.
“Looking back, it was a disappointing situation. We lost to Watford, and I realized that my time was likely coming to an end. I took my family to the airport, they returned to Norway, and I was preparing to go to work.
“I received a message – ‘Ole, I need to see you in my office’ – and I was sure what it meant, so I contacted my wife and said: ‘I’ll see you soon, I’ll likely be home before you are!'”
Solskjaer Says His Man Utd Sudden Exit Wasn’t ‘Surprising
When questioned about the abruptness of his departure, Solskjaer responded, “It was unexpected, yet not entirely shocking.
The reality of the sport is that a lack of positive outcomes often leads to leadership adjustments. However, I genuinely believed we were building something promising.”
After Solskjaer’s departure, Ralf Rangnick was appointed as the temporary manager from December 2021 until the season’s conclusion.
In 2022, Erik ten Hag was selected as the permanent head coach, before his departure in October 2024, with Ruben Amorim taking over the managerial position at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Amorim’s tenure hasn’t been without its difficulties either. Since taking the reins last November, he’s faced challenges in improving the team’s performance, culminating in a disappointing 15th-place finish last season.
This marked the club’s worst performance in the Premier League era.
Looking ahead, United’s next challenge is on Sunday when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
