Andoni Iraola: United target provides fresh update on his future

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola’s availability this summer has added intrigue to Manchester United’s hunt for former head coach Ruben Amorim’s full-time successor. The Red Devils parted ways with the Portuguese following a difficult 14-month campaign that failed to live up to expectations.

INEOS opted to cut short Amorim’s stay at Old Trafford in January and appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season. Brought in to salvage the season, the Englishman has already exceeded expectations, helping the club climb up to third in the Premier League table after 32 games.

Carrick has managed seven wins and two draws in his 11 games in charge so far, prompting calls to make his stay permanent. However, the recent 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at home in the Premier League has affected his position.

To further complicate matters, Bournemouth announced that Iraola will be leaving the Vitality Stadium at the end of this season. The Spaniard is highly rated in the European circuit and is reportedly among the candidates under consideration at Old Trafford as well.

Iraola first gained prominence during his stint with Rayo Vallecano, before moving to Bournemouth in the summer of 2023. The Spaniard proceeded to transform the Premier League club into one of the most exciting teams in the top flight of English football.

Iraola managed to work within a strict budget and gave an identity to the Cherries. His team’s ability to match toe-to-toe with some of the top sides in the Premier League enhanced the Spaniard’s reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in the world.

Source: Wikipedia .

Iraola’s rise at Kings Park did not go unnoticed, with United keeping him under close watch for a while. The Spaniard’s attacking style of play, tactical acumen, and his Premier League experience already make him a fine choice for the Red Devils.

Iraola’s availability this summer on a free transfer could also have a bearing on INEOS’ final decision regarding the next permanent manager, especially if Carrick stutters in the final weeks of the campaign. The Spanish manager has now provided an insight into his decision to leave the Vitality Stadium.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Iraola insisted that his decision to leave Bournemouth was not influenced by the possibility of taking charge at another club. He said: “The decision was not about any other club, there was no other club involved. It was about either continuing here or not continuing here.”

“I don’t know what I want to do next season. I don’t know if I am going to coach a team, a club. I don’t know if I am going to coach an international team. I don’t know if I am going to coach in this continent. I have no idea what is going to happen.”

“I don’t know if you are going to believe me, but it is the truth. And also, I don’t have any rush to want to know it. I have taken a big decision for me, now I want to focus on what we have in this moment. These next six games are massive for us. There is going to be time to think.”

While Iraola remains linked with the hot seat at Old Trafford, one does wonder if his lack of trophy-winning experience actually makes him an upgrade on Carrick. Unless the Englishman has a poor end to the campaign and the Red Devils miss out on a top-four place, INEOS are likely to be tempted to continue with him next season.

Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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