Man Utd add Max Allegri to next manager shortlist but Mauricio Pochettino remains No1 candidate

Max Allegri will be included in Manchester United’s search for a permanent successor for Jose Mourinho.

Mauricio Pochettino remains at the top of Ed Woodward’s wanted list – but Juventus coach Allegri will also form part of a ‘thorough and extensive’ process to find United’s next manager.

Despite interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s perfect start at Old Trafford, Woodward is pressing ahead with what will be his fourth permanent appointment.

Allegri is understood to be open to working in the Premier League after one final tilt at winning the Champions League with Juve. And sources close to the Italian had already earmarked United as an ideal move before Mourinho was sacked last week.

He was interested in succeeding Arsene Wenger at Arsenal last summer, but a lack of transfer funds is believed to have dissuaded him from leaving Turin.

Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici is also seen as a potential target for United, with intermediaries ready to recommend the pair as a dream team to fill the two key roles Woodward wants to address over the next six months.

Ideally United would like to have a director of football or technical director in place to have an input into the next manager – but Woodward is not setting a timeframe on that particular appointment.

United’s executive vice chairman will instead consult with football staff from inside the club, as well as experts externally before making a final decision that will green lit by American owners the Glazers.

Allegri’s record in Italy with Juve and AC Milan has made him one of the leading candidates, having won the Serie A title five times.

He’s also led Juve to two Champions League finals, with the Italian giants among the favourites to win the competition this season following the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Pochettino has long-been considered the ideal fit among United’s hierarchy, Allegri’s record as a serial trophy winner does give him an edge on the Tottenham manager in terms of honours alone.

Other United candidates Zinedine Zidane and Diego Simeone also have that advantage over Pochettino.

Solskjaer, meanwhile, is the man in position after signing up to take charge until the summer.

Back-to-back wins in his opening two games have lifted spirits at Old Trafford – and should the Norwegian maintain such an impressive start, he will firmly establish himself as a contender.