By Noel Whelan

9th Mar, 2022 | 1:00pm

Man United news: Pundit issues '100%' verdict on 'surprise' Carlo Ancelotti appointment

Noel Whelan has claimed Man United must appoint a “very strong personality” this summer amid links to Carlo Ancelotti.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Mauricio Pochettino should be approached before the 62-year-old Italian.

According to The Times (3 March), former Everton and Chelsea boss Ancelotti has emerged as a surprise alternative to become the next manager of Man United – with incumbent Ralf Rangnick set to leave this summer.

The report claims the current Real Madrid boss is a “possible backup” for top targets Pochettino and Erik ten Hag.

Whelan claimed Ancelotti has the “fear factor” needed in order to bring success back to Old Trafford.

However, he suggested Pochettino, 50, would provide a “long-term relationship”.

“What you’ve got right now is a team full of big names, big egos, and bad attitudes,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“To manage that, you’re going to need a very strong personality. Ancelotti is a good example of that.

“He’d sort them out, 100%, I don’t think he’d take anything from anybody. He’s got that fear factor, and they need that.

“But I think they need a younger option to see this rebuild through. Pochettino – if he decides to leave PSG – he may decide that Man United is a brilliant challenge for him.

“He’s another manager who can handle egos – look at who he’s in charge of right now, week-in, week-out. He’s got that side working hard, and that can’t be easy with that front three.

“He’s got youth on his side as well – you’d get a bit more of a long-term relationship.

“Whoever comes in, they’ll have to wipe the whole slate clean and ask of the players: ‘Who wants to be part of this new venture?’”

In other news, expert predicts six Man United stars “not fighting for the shirt” to be sold.