Manchester United's managerial hunt intensifies as Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola becomes available, potentially shifting their stance on Michael Carrick's permanent role.
Michael Carrick has done a stellar job at Manchester United since he took over from Rúben Amorim as the club's head coach for the remainder of the campaign.
Having taken over while United were sat outside the Champions League spots, the Reds are now third in the Premier League, with Carrick having secured seven wins across his 11 fixtures.
However, after winning five of his first six games, United's results have tailed off a little: two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five, including a recent crushing 2-1 loss against Leeds United on Monday evening.
While Carrick is focused on securing Champions League football for the Reds next campaign, United are turning their attention to who could be managing the squad next summer, with Carrick firmly in the mix.
Iraola high on United's shortlist
On Tuesday afternoon, news broke that highly-rated Spanish manager Andoni Iraola will be departing Bournemouth at the end of the season, with the Cherries releasing an official statement to confirm.
At 43 years old, Iraola has established himself as a very competent and competitive manager in the Premier League, and his impending departure has already alerted a number of Premier League sides.
According to iSport, clubs such as Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Newcastle are possible destinations for the Spaniard, who is more likely to stay in England than to return to Spain should the right opportunity arise.
Further, it's noted that although sources within Old Trafford have claimed the club were close to offering Carrick the role on a permanent basis, Iraola's confirmed availability is set to prompt them to reconsider their options.
United will talk with Iraola this summer
It has long been stated that the Reds will conduct a thorough search for their new manager and will conduct extensive background checks and interviews with potential candidates before reaching a conclusion.
Carrick's time at the club since January has put him firmly in the race for the full-time job, although the recent wobble in form has created calls for the club to make sure they do not get too trigger-happy with their appointment.
Other major names, such as Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel, are likely out of the running due to national team commitments, which makes it more likely that United will approach Iraola once the season ends.
The club are known to be looking for managers with Premier League experience, something the Spaniard has in abundance.