- Manchester United have Andoni Iraola on shortlist
- Bournemouth boss will be available this summer
- Several clubs eyeing Spaniard
Manchester United managerial target Andoni Iraola has decided to leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Spaniard’s future has long been uncertain, but he’s now opted to try a new challenge.
Iraola is one of the Premier League’s most highly-admired tacticians and has enjoyed a superb spell in charge at the Vitality Stadium. Arriving as Gary O’Neil’s replacement in July 2023, he’s transformed the Cherries into one of the toughest top-flight teams.
Bournemouth are in the race for European qualification despite losing several key men, including Dean Huijsen and Antoine Semenyo. Their manager hasn’t complained about such sales but has now decided to part ways with the South Coast outfit.
Man Utd Alerted to Iraola Availability
A statement from the club confirmed Iraola was set to leave this summer and end a successful three-year tenure with Bournemouth. All eyes will now be on where he ends up and reports suggest it could be Old Trafford.
According to Mark Douglas of i Paper, United have Iraola “high on their shortlist.” It’s also claimed that the Reds were “close to offering Michael Carrick the permanent role.”
INEOS appear to have been put on alert, though, as Iraola’s availability “may shift their thinking.” That’s an intriguing line that suggests the co-owners have reservations about Carrick.
The club’s former midfielder replaced Ruben Amorim back in January on a contract until the end of the season. He’s since led the Red Devils into the top four, currently occupying third place with six games remaining.
A 2-1 defeat to Leeds United last night has cast doubts over Carrick and his suitability for the permanent job. That might well see Iraola be increasingly linked with the Old Trafford hotseat in the weeks to come.
Iraola has also garnered interest from Crystal Palace who will need a new manager once Oliver Glasner departs. Liverpool and Newcastle United are also thought to be admirers and could move for him if they sack Arne Slot and Eddie Howe.
It’s too early for Iraola
While Iraola has done a stellar job at Bournemouth, taking the reins at the Theatre of Dreams is a whole other ball game. It’s all well and good to overachieve at a mid-table club with limited resources.
United need a coach who can take them back to the top of English football, and Iraola feels like another Amorim-esque appointment. Not based on coaching ability but rather his status as an up-and-coming tactician whose stock is sky high.
Amorim undoubtedly failed during his 14 months in charge, and he didn’t realise the magnitude of the job. That is why turning to someone like Iraola, who isn’t tried and tested at a top European club, is a huge risk.
If it’s not Carrick, then it needs to be an experienced manager with proven success. The problem is the lack of available candidates who fit that criteria.
