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.