Iraola talks confirmed: Carrick gets surprise update on ‘strongest’ Man Utd rival

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Robin Bairner | Editor

The battle to become Manchester United’s next permanent manager has taken a major twist with the news that Andoni Iraola, Michael Carrick’s main rival for the post, has opened talks with a rival club.

Bournemouth manager Iraola has already confirmed that he will leave the Cherries at the end of the season. This has led to the Basque being heavily linked with United as an alternative to Carrick.

But a stunning report from Dutch football expert Mike Verweij indicates that Ajax have already opened talks with the 43-year-old.

“He is one of the candidates, but it was suggested in Spain that he had already agreed to become the new manager. That is nonsense, but he is one of the coaches who has been spoken to and is being considered,” De Telegraaf's Verweij told the Kick-off podcast.

Iraola the ‘strongest’ alternative to Carrick

Iraola has emerged as the main rival to Carrick to take the Man Utd post on a permanent basis, with The Telegraph describing him as the ‘strongest candidate’ for the job.

It also described the former Rayo Vallecano boss as being ‘cool’ over his future, suggesting that he is open to exploring a range of possibilities.

Nevertheless, it would be a surprise move if he were to move to Ajax given the buzz around the Premier League over him. And the indications are that he is being

Despite the Englishman turning the Red Devils’ season around, there are doubts over whether his personality is suited to the long-term position.

Man Utd’s next permanent manager: Carrick leads Iraola

Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Iraola wants to remain in the Premier League, although he did note that Carrick is looking increasingly likely to get the Man Utd role on a permanent basis.

“My understanding is that Iraola is constantly linked with English clubs because he would love to continue in the Premier League. He would love the chance to coach a top club in England, so that is why he is linked to United and Chelsea,” Romano explained.

“At the moment, with Chelsea, there is still nothing advanced or decided. I know there have been reports for several days, but my understanding is that nothing is decided there.

“On Manchester United, they are obviously internally going through the process to assess all the potential candidates for the permanent job. But Michael Carrick has serious, strong, concrete chances to continue and become the permanent manager.

“Champions League football would help, and United are very close to returning to the Champions League, also thanks to Carrick. I would say especially thanks to Carrick, because since he arrived in January he completely changed the feeling around the season, around the players, the leaders, the fans, the board and the management.

“So the feeling is super positive on Carrick. There is still an internal process at United before they call and say this is the decision, but Carrick remains the clear favourite to continue and be the permanent manager.

“Then we wait for the end-of-season review and for Manchester United to communicate their decision to the manager and to the players. But for sure, Michael Carrick is in a strong position.”

United are unlikely to make an announcement before the end of the season, but with Iraola a man in demand, they may be pressed into speeding up negotiations if they want him.

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