Liverpool-linked manager emerges as rival to Michael Carrick for Manchester United job
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Manchester United are yet to make a final decision on appointing Michael Carrick as permanent head coach. Carrick has impressed since replacing Ruben Amorim mid-season, winning nine of his 13 Premier League games.United have risen to third in the table, 11 points clear of Brighton & Hove Albion, ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.Despite growing expectations that Michael Carrick will land the role, the club insist they will follow a full recruitment process.
United remain cautious after their 2019 decision to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer permanently following an interim spell, and will assess multiple options before confirming their next head coach.According to The Telegraph, Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading rival to Michael Carrick for the Manchester United head coach role.Iraola is highly regarded for his work at Bournemouth and is set to leave this summer after rejecting a new deal, with Marco Rose already lined up as his successor.The Spaniard is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Chelsea, alongside names like Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso. He is keen to remain in the Premier League but will consider other options.Iraola has also been linked with the Liverpool job and is understood to be admired by sections of the Liverpool hierarchy.United have yet to make a final decision and are unlikely to move forward until their Champions League place is confirmed, potentially this weekend against Liverpool.
The Red Devils are prioritising candidates with Premier League experience in their search for a new head coach.Thomas Tuchel is no longer an option after extending his deal with the England national team, while Luis Enrique, though admired, is expected to remain with Paris Saint-Germain.Roberto De Zerbi had support at Old Trafford but concerns over his demands, along with his move to Tottenham Hotspur, have ruled him out.Mauricio Pochettino is interested but unavailable until after the World Cup with the United States national team, while Julian Nagelsmann is also not in contention.That leaves Michael Carrick in a strong position. Since taking over, he has helped lift United from seventh to third and close to securing Champions League qualification.While achieving that target would strengthen his case, the club remain committed to a thorough process before making a final decision.With Arne Slot expected to remain at Liverpool next season barring any dramatic change, Andoni Iraola could instead find himself in the dugout of their arch-rivals Manchester United if he is appointed as their new manager.