Roberto Mancini becomes 'wildcard' to be Man Utd's next permanent manager

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has emerged as a wildcard option to be the next permanent manager of Manchester United, according to reports.

Ralf Rangnick has been handed the reins as interim boss until the end of the season, expected to have an input into who the Red Devils' next head honcho will be.

And the Telegraph claim that Mancini has 'come under consideration' in the Old Trafford boardroom.

The 57-year-old, who spent three-and-a-half years on the blue side of the city and delivered the Citizens' first Premier League title in 2012, recently lead Italy to winning Euro 2020 this summer after revitalising the Azzurri.

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Despite recently signing a new deal to be in charge of the Italian national team until 2026, Mancini is said to be interested in returning to the English top flight.

Italy are not guaranteed to feature at next year's World Cup in Qatar - which takes place in winter - as they will have to advance from a tricky play-off path.

The European champions finished second to Switzerland in their qualifying group and will face North Macedonia in a semi-final on March 24.

If Mancini and co advance, they will face either Portugal or Turkey away from home in the final five days later.

Failure to reach the World Cup could result in the Azzurri changing their manager, like they did after they failed to make it to Russia in 2018.

But Mancini has not only had success at international level and with City, guiding Inter Milan to three successive Serie A titles from 2006 to 2008.

But the experienced gaffer faces competition if he wants to take the Old Trafford hot seat, with United said to be eyeing a number of candidates.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino remains the favourite, while Ajax 's Erik ten Hag and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers have been touted.

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None of them boast Mancini's pedigree in terms of a stacked CV, with his Citizens side famously beating Sir Alex Ferguson 's men on goal difference thanks to Sergio Aguero 's last-gasp goal, now more than nine years ago.

He was sacked by City after losing the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic, but following spells with Galatasaray, Inter again and Zenit St Petersburg, Mancini reminded the world of his coaches qualities.

Honing a young group of rising stars, Italy's triumph in July came after beating Belgium, Spain and England via penalties at Wembley.

Soon enough, though, Mancini may be back in England permanently.