Carlo Ancelotti
Reuters

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled himself out of contention to become the next manager of Manchester United.

The former Chelsea coach had been among the leading candidates to replace David Moyes, after the Scottish manager was sacked earlier last week – with Ryan Giggs taking charge of the first team until the end of the season.

But ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, the Italian manager has said he is likely to stay in La Liga for many years.

"I want to stay at Madrid for a long time and it's strange answering this question the day before a Champions League semi-final. Real Madrid is my club and I'm happy here," he was quoted as saying by AS.

Furthermore, Ancelotti denied having had any contact with Manchester United regarding a summer move to old Trafford.

"I respect everyone but I haven't had contact with anyone and I don't need to."

Ancelotti took charge of the nine-times Champions League winners last summer to replace Jose Morinho after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

And having already won the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona he is expected to continue in Spain whatever happens in La Liga, where Real are currently second, and in the Champions League.

With Borussia Dormund boss Jurgen Klopp also recently ruling himself out of the United job, Louis van Gaal remains as the leading candidate for the vacant position at Old Trafford.

Dutch daily De Telegraaf recently suggested United already have a verbal agreement in place with the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach, and an official announcement of his appointment will be delivered before the weekend.