Carlo Ancelotti Reveals Why He Rejected Manchester United After He Was Approached by Sir Alex Ferguson

Everton boss, Carlo Ancelotti, has revealed why he rejected the chance to manage Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson called him in 2013 to tell him he was retiring and wanted him to take over the job.

Ahead of the Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against the Red Devils at Goodison Park, Ancelotti revealed he was offered the job at Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson prior to Ferguson’s retirement.

Ancelotti says but he was about to be signed by Real Madrid, an offer he couldn’t reject.

“You want to know from me [about coaching at Man Utd]?!“ Ancelotti said.

“I can say that I still keep a fantastic relationship with Sir Alex, and we met when he decided to stop (retire).

“But I was close to Real Madrid, and so I appreciate the fact that at that time he talked to me. And that’s it, no other opportunity [to manage United].”

Everton sit in fourth position after 14 matches played.

Everton have met Man Utd once this season – in the league in November – with Ancelott’s team going 1-0 ahead in the opening stages before the Red Devils struck back twice through Bruno Fernandes to eventually win 3-1.

Ancelotti said he respects Manchester United, saying the club is legendary like Real Madrid, Milan, Barcelona.

“Yes of course Manchester United is a fantastic club, a fantastic team I battled against them a lot of times when Sir Alex was there, when I was at Chelsea,” he said.

“I have a lot of respect for this team, for this club, it is a historical club in the world of football like Milan, like Real Madrid, a lot of respect.”