Andoni Iraola has emerged as the biggest rival to Michael Carrick for the job as Manchester United’s next permanent manager.
Iraola is out of contract in the summer and has announced his intention to leave Bournemouth. The Spaniard has been linked with a number of roles, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao.
According to The Telegraph, Iraola has firm admirers at Old Trafford and has emerged as the strongest candidate to rival interim manager Carrick for the permanent role.
United chiefs have been impressed with Iraola’s work at Bournemouth, where he’s led the Cherries into European contention despite the sales of several key figures.
His attacking football has particularly caught the eye of the United board and there is a belief that he would fit into the long-term plan for progress.
Carrick remains the frontrunner, following his impact as interim boss. The 44-year-old has won nine of his 13 games in charge, leading the Red Devils to third in the table.
United need just two points from their final three games to secure Champions League qualification, an achievement that would put Carrick in a very strong position.
He has received the endorsement of current and past players as the ideal successor to Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January.
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