Man Utd manager race takes twist as new 'strongest candidate' emerges as rival to Carrick

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Suraj Radia | Editor

Michael Carrick has been touted as the clear favourite to be named as Manchester United’s permanent manager but a new candidate has emerged who is reported as his closest rival for the job.

Carrick is expected to be named as full-time manager after impressing since taking over as temporary boss following Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January, with United on course to qualify for the Champions League next season.

United have not made any formal decision yet and will not announce anything until after their season ends but, with a number of targets also having dropped out, there is a strong belief that Carrick will be rewarded for his efforts with the permanent role.

However, United are still running a full process and will speak to other managers, with Telegraph Sport revealing that Andoni Iraola has become the strongest candidate to rival Carrick for the job.

Iraola announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season and the Spaniard is said to be ‘strongly admired’ by United for his work with the Cherries and his attacking style of play which is believed would ‘fit in’ at Old Trafford.

United want a coach with Premier League experience and, while some external voices have doubts over Iraola’s ability to manage a big club, United believe he would fit into the structure now in place at the club.

Iraola becomes Carrick’s main rival for United manager job

Although Carrick has been praised for his turnaround of the team, United are said to have doubts over whether his personality is suited for the long-term position and the club are wary of a repeat of 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was promoted in a similar manner after much encouragement following a caretaker spell.

United are pleased with Carrick’s job and the club feel that there aren’t many realistic candidates available who represent a clear upgrade on the 44-year-old, with the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Enrique all set to remain in their current roles.

There is also a desire to ensure that any appointment gives the club enough time in pre-season, prompting a reluctance to pursue a coach such as Julian Naglesmann, who will be managing Germany at the 2026 World Cup, which ends in mid-July.

With the likes of Oliver Glasner and Marco Silva unlikely to be considered, Iraola has become the only main rival to Carrick at this point.

Chelsea are also set to hold talks with Iraola over their newly-vacated managerial position and the 43-year-old is believed to be ‘calm’ about his future and will take his time to assess all his options.

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