Van Gaal and Ancelotti head United shortlist

Manchester United have begun their hunt for a successor to David Moyes in earnest, drawing up a shortlist and sending out feelers to potential candidates.

United vice-chairman Ed Woodward is leading the search but is drawing on the experience of Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill, who are both board members.

Holland coach Louis van Gaal is the frontrunner, but sources close to United say he is only one on a list of candidates that has been drawn up.

The club are looking for a coach with a significant level of experience, which means temporary manager Ryan Giggs will not be among those considered. Van Gaal is currently on holiday in Portugal, according to reports in Holland, and the 62-year-old will be a free agent after the World Cup.

The Dutchman is one of those on the shortlist, along with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

However, former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is confident Ancelotti will stay in Spain.

Calderon said: “I believe Carlo Ancelotti will be with Real Madrid next season. He’s got a contract. We don’t know what’s happening with Manchester United.”

One man who is adamant he is not interested is Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, who again ruled himself out of contention yesterday.

“I find it a little uncomfortable having to turn somebody down without them even making an enquiry,” said the 46-year-old. “But it seems like I have got to do it anyway.

“There are about 1000 reasons why I am so happy to be working at this club.”

As well as a significant level of experience, the criteria for the new manager is also thought to include having a good grasp of English, which would count against Atletico Madrid’s much-admired coach Diego Simeone.

It is also understood that club chiefs will continue to work hard to line up transfer targets so that the deals can be done as soon as the transfer window opens on June 1. That will also give time for the new manager to indicate his views on the targets as well as put forward other transfer wishes.

United have refused to comment on reports that the owners, the Glazers, are due to fly into England for talks on the situation.

Meanwhile Nicky Butt says it will be a proud moment for the so-called ‘Class of 92’ when Ryan Giggs takes charge of United against Norwich tomorrow.

Butt is part of caretaker boss Ryan Giggs’ backroom team for the rest of the season, along with fellow former team-mates Paul Scholes and Phil Neville, as they look to steer the club through a difficult period following the dismissal of David Moyes.

The four were teammates in the famous United side of the 90s shaped by Alex Ferguson, and Butt is delighted to be working with his old colleagues despite the circumstances.

“It will be massive for us, a proud moment for us all,” Butt said.

“We walked in here together when we were 12 and to be here now — I’m not 40 yet but Giggsy is, and myself and Scholes are nearly there too. So for us and Phil to be there together is a very proud moment.”

Elsewhere West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has urged David Moyes to take some time out of the game.

“I wouldn’t advise him to come back into the game sooner. I would come back later if I were him,” said Big Sam.

However Everton manager Roberto Martinez urged Moyes to get back to business immediately.

“I am sure he will be ready to get into another job as quick as he can and I am sure he won’t have a lack of offers or opportunities.”