Manchester United are still considering alternatives to interim manager Michael Carrick, and AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola wants the job on a permanent basis.
Man Utd secure Champions League qualification with time to spare
As we approach the end of the Premier League season, Man United look set to finish in third place, given that they are six points clear of nearest-rivals Liverpool, with just two games remaining.
It has been some turnaround from Michael Carrick, who has already secured Champions League football for next season, and he was pleased with his side’s attitude in the recent 0-0 draw at Sunderland, despite being unable to take all three points.
Carrick said: “We know we weren’t totally at our best today, I think we’ve had a run of some really good results and some really good performances. Today was a different side to us and sometimes when it’s not coming as easy and it’s a bit more of a challenge, [you need to] take something from the game and today we did that.
“I thought we finished really strong and I thought we were going to win it towards the end. It was a really good mentality from the boys today.”
Considering no Premier League side has collected more points than United since Carrick was appointed in January, he seems like the obvious choice for the job, and INEOS are expected to hire the ex-Middlesbrough manager on a permanent basis.
Man Utd eyeing Iraola as Carrick alternative
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which also states Iraola wants the job, with the Bournemouth manager set to leave the Cherries at the end of the season, and he is high on the Red Devils’ shortlist as a Carrick alternative.
The Spaniard has done a remarkable job at Bournemouth, with his side knocking on the door of Champions League qualification, having gone 16 games unbeaten in the Premier League.
As things stand, the Vitality Stadium outfit are in sixth place, which could be enough to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, if Aston Villa manage to win the Europa League.
Sky Sports pundit Sam Tighe has described the 43-year-old as the “best young coach in the world”, and he has plenty of experience in management, having spent time in Cyprus, Spain and England.
Andoni Iraola’s managerial record
Matches
Points per match
AFC Bournemouth
125
1.44
Rayo Vallecano
136
1.46
Mirandes
49
1.45
AEK Larnaca
29
1.62
That said, it would be a strange decision not to give Carrick the job at this stage, with the Englishman maintaining a stellar record since being appointed as interim manager earlier this year.
Michael Carrick’s record as Man Utd manager
15 matches
10 wins
3 draws
2 defeats
2.20 points per match
Read next: Michael Carrick now driving Man Utd move for English midfielder
Related
The new Rashford: Carrick driving Man Utd bid to sign £80m England star
Michael Carrick could shun the temptation to bring Marcus Rashford back into the fold at Man Utd.
