Man Utd Eye Xabi Alonso as Next Manager Amid Carrick's Interim Role

Manchester United are plotting a summer move for Xabi Alonso as their next permanent head coach, following his recent departure from Real Madrid, according to reports from The Times and The Independent. The club, currently managed on an interim basis by Michael Carrick, who has arrived at Carrington training ground, plans to appoint a full-time successor at season's end[1].

Alonso, the 44-year-old Spanish tactician, left Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 after a stellar tenure that included guiding them to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024 with an unbeaten run. He then took over at former club Real Madrid on May 25, 2025, replacing Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal. His time at the Bernabéu started promisingly with a 1-1 draw and 3-1 win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but ended abruptly on January 12, 2026, after a 3-2 Supercopa de España final loss to Barcelona. The mutual parting was marred by controversies, including disputes with stars like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé[2].

United's interest stems from Alonso's high potential, likened by sources at major clubs to elite coaches like Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta. An anonymous figure told The Independent's Miguel Delaney: "This is the sort of appointment Manchester United should be immediately looking towards... he has the potential to be an elite coach."[1] Despite past rejections—Alonso turned down United in summer 2024—his availability has revived hopes, with reports dubbing it a "plan" now "ON."[1]

Other candidates like Luis Enrique and Roberto De Zerbi have been linked, but four managers were reportedly ruled out over an "important condition," positioning Alonso as a bargain option. Carrick's interim stint buys time for the hierarchy to pursue this ambitious target, amid skepticism from outlets like Football365 questioning the realism[1]. United's search underscores their desire for a proven innovator post their dismal season.

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