An unexpected name has come between Carrick and Manchester United.

Manchester United are entering a crucial stage in their search for a permanent head coach.

Manchester United are entering a crucial stage in their search for a permanent head coach. While Michael Carrick remains the leading candidate, Andoni Iraola is emerging as a real contender.

The Telegraph reports that Manchester United's leadership is not in a hurry to make a final decision. Although Carrick is expected to be appointed if the team qualifies for the Champions League, the club remains committed to a comprehensive evaluation plan and working with multiple candidates.

Carrick has made a strong impression since taking over the team after Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier this year. Under his leadership, MU has won 9 out of 13 Premier League matches, climbing from 7th place to challenge for a top-four finish. This achievement has earned him significant support from both the club and the fans.

However, MU does not want to repeat the mistake of 2019, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed too soon after an impressive interim period. This time, the Old Trafford club wants to ensure the selection is based on a clear and objective process.

Iraola decided to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season after refusing to extend his contract.

In that context, Iraola emerged as a noteworthy option. The Spanish coach impressed greatly with his work at AFC Bournemouth, particularly in his ability to organize attacking play and develop players. Experts believe he fits the long-term development direction that MU is pursuing.

Iraola decided to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season after refusing to extend his contract. He is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace. Additionally, Chelsea have also placed him on their watchlist alongside managers like Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso.

Although there were rumors that Iraola wanted to return to Spain to manage Athletic Bilbao, this possibility is unlikely as the Basque team has reached a preliminary agreement with Edin Terzic.

From Manchester United's perspective, the criteria for selecting a head coach prioritize experience in the Premier League. Several potential options, such as Thomas Tuchel or Luis Enrique, were deemed unfeasible due to contractual obligations. Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi had joined Tottenham Hotspur, and Mauricio Pochettino was unable to leave the US national team before the World Cup.

The final decision will most likely depend on MU's performance in the remaining rounds. If they qualify for the Champions League, Carrick's position will be further strengthened. However, the management still wants to ensure they don't miss out on other potential options.

Last week, Carrick had an informal meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the Carrington training ground. However, the English manager remained calm about his future: “Everything will become clear when the time comes.”

Source: https://znews.vn/mot-cai-ten-bat-ngo-chen-ngang-carrick-tai-mu-post1647952.html