AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
Manchester United are yet to confirm who will be their head coach for next season, leading to constant debate over who would be the best choice from the available options.
Michael Carrick currently seems the favourite for the role, after securing Champions League football for next season with a 3-2 win against Liverpool at Old Trafford. However, the 0-0 draw against Sunderland has created some concern in the fan base.
Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel were mentioned as options earlier this year, but they have signed new contracts with their respective national teams (Brazil and England), meaning a move seems unlikely.
Julian Nagelsmann is another international manager to be linked with United. But the Red Devils would be forced to wait until after the World Cup, should they choose to pursue Nagelsmann. This would put them on the back foot for pre-season and 2026/27.
Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner have also been linked with an Old Trafford move. Both of their contracts expire at the end of this season, and have not agreed terms with a new club just yet.
Iraola responds to United links
Many United fans seem excited about the prospect of Iraola. He is a young manager, but plays exciting football at Bournemouth, which could become even better with United's talent in the squad.
After his side's 1-0 win against Fulham, Iraola was asked about the links to Manchester United, as well as Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
"I’m in no rush," he said. "I will not talk about my future. I’m fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the players and supporters."
As well as the United job, Iraola has also been linked with a move to Athletic Bilbao, whom he played over 500 times for as a player.
The lack of noise over a move suggests United may look elsewhere, as they will want their new head coach confirmed and in the job well before the beginning of pre season.
United's first pre-season game will be on July 18 against Wrexham in Finland.
It has to be Carrick
Michael Carrick may not have years and years of experience under his managerial belt, or even a large CV outside of Old Trafford, but his side's performances since he took over have proven he could lead the club into the Champions League.
He will no doubt receive constant comparisons to Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who Carrick worked under, but he does not seem to be affected by external noise. No question phases him in press conferences.
Bringing in a new head coach, who does not have the same guarantee, is a risk. It is not known how they will handle the pressure of United, or the hundreds of interviews expected of them. But it is with Carrick.
It has to be him.