'I led Man City to the title but told friends I could be the next Man Utd manager'

Ex-Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly believes he could be in the frame to replace Ruben Amorim in the Manchester United dugout. The Red Devils boss had come under huge pressure earlier this season following a slow start to the campaign, but has since turned his team's fortunes around after guiding United to three consecutive league wins.

Mancini took over as Manchester City manager in December 2009 and led the Citizens to the FA Cup trophy a year-and-a-half later. City then clinched the Premier League title for the first time in their history under the Italian in 2012 as they pipped the Red Devils to silverware on the final day of the season following a comeback victory over QPR.

Mancini was sacked by Manchester City in May 2013 before taking charge of Galatasaray.

The 60-year-old, who went on to manage Inter Milan for a second time before spending a year in charge of Zenit, subsequently masterminded Italy's success at Euro 2020 as the team lifted the trophy after beating England on penalties at Wembley.

The tactician has been out of work since leaving his post as Saudi Arabia boss a year ago but was reportedly approached to take over from Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest before Sean Dyche was given the job at the City Ground.

And Mancini now thinks he could be heading back to England and embarking on a spell with Manchester United.

According to The Sun, Mancini has told friends that he believes he will be in contention to replace Amorim should the Portuguese lose his job at Old Trafford.

Like United's minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the former Lazio midfielder has a base in southern France.

And the duo are believed to have met at a number of social functions.

United endured a torrid season last time around as Amorim was appointed to succeed Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout after the Dutchman had been sacked in October.

The former Sporting boss was only able to lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place Premier League finish, although they did reach the Europa League final, where they lost to Tottenham.

United appeared to be heading for another underwhelming season this time around as the team lost three of their opening six Premier League matches and were humiliated by League Two side Grimsby in the Carabao Cup in August.

But the north west giants have gone on to win their last three league matches and briefly climbed to fourth place in the Premier League table on Saturday before ending the weekend in sixth.