Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly blocked a proposed move for Antonio Conte last year.
The 52-year-old remained out of a job when the Red Devils' sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in November, and he was widely linked with the role at Old Trafford.
However, Man United instead opted to bring Ralf Rangnick to the club on an interim basis before conducting their search for a permanent successor later on in the season.
In the meantime, Conte headed to North London to become Nuno Espirito Santo's successor at Tottenham Hotspur, and the Italian has enjoyed a positive start to life with the Lilywhites.
Despite a few mid-season wobbles, Conte successfully steered Tottenham back into the Champions League for the first time since 2019-20 with a 5-0 final-day thumping of Norwich City.
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Meanwhile, Man United risked finishing seventh after losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace but ultimately remained in sixth place and secured a spot in the 2022-23 Europa League.
Conte's success compared to Rangnick's struggles have led to suggestions that the former would have been the right man for the Red Devils, although Gary Neville in particular has spoken out against such a viewpoint.
Now, the Manchester Evening News states that Ronaldo personally intervened to ensure that the former Chelsea and Inter Milan head coach would not succeed Solskjaer at Man United.
The report adds that the powers-that-be at Man United had started to consult players on potential managers, and Ronaldo voiced his concerns over an increased workload under Conte after turning 37.
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However, new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has already laid out his plans for high-pressing football at Old Trafford and is supposedly planning a boot camp to improve his players' fitness.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman is excited to work alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, telling reporters at a press conference: "Of course (looking forward to managing Ronaldo). Ronaldo? Goals! (what will he bring). I talk first with Ronaldo before I talk with you."
Rangnick moves into his advisory role at Man United having taken charge of 29 matches throughout the season, posting 11 wins, nine draws and nine defeats in that time.
Meanwhile, Conte has won 21, drawn five and lost 10 of his 36 games in charge of Tottenham, including 17 victories from 28 Premier League matches.
Ben Knapton
