Manchester United’s appointment of Michael Carrick looks even more likely after the latest update.
Michael Carrick is the lead contender to land the Manchester United head coach job on a permanent basis.
After being considered a long-shot when appointed as interim boss in mid-January, Carrick has seized his opportunity.
His audition could barely have gone any better. Carrick has led Manchester United to third place with two games remaining, securing Champions League qualification.
United fans are now awaiting an announcement over Carrick’s appointment. And this may have moved a step closer after the latest update.
Man Utd rule out Andoni Iraola
There have not been a lot of credible alternatives to Michael Carrick. Top managers like Luis Enrique are in jobs, while Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann will all be at the World Cup.
One coach who had been linked was outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who recently announced he would be leaving the Cherries at the end of the season.
The I News subsequently reported that United had taken note of Iraola’s sudden availability.
At the very least, he appeared to be a credible alternative if Ineos wanted to speak to alternative options and run interviews.
Now a decision has been taken to rule Iraola out, reports The Mail. Iraola is now free to pursue opportunities at Chelsea and Crystal Palace, the newspaper claim.
🎤 What do you want to hear from Michael Carrick in his end of season speech to fans after the final home game?
Carrick boost, United may be reaching decision
Andoni Iraola may simply be considered a poor fit by Ineos. But he ticks the boxes of being a young, ambitious manager with Premier League experience. Surely he was worth a conversation?
United’s move to rule Iraola out is likely to reflect less on him, and more on Michael Carrick.
It feels like United are edging towards a decision to confirm Carrick as permanent head coach.
It is possible this announcement could even be made before the end of the season.
One date we have circled is the fixture with Nottingham Forest this weekend, Manchester United’s final home fixture.
Could an announcement be made before or shortly after? Could it take place in the week before the end of the season?
There is a limited time between the final match and the World Cup, and United need to utilise this for transfers – not spend it on a head coach search.
Carrick’s record dictates that he deserves a longer look, and we expect it to be confirmed in due course.
The Iraola news is one more hint that we are reaching the endgame.
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