Manchester United have reportedly ruled out Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as a candidate for the permanent managerial position at Old Trafford, despite his impending departure from the Cherries and links to Chelsea.
The 43-year-old has decided to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season when his contract expires. Despite losing key players such as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Illia Zabarnyi last summer, Iraola has guided Bournemouth to the brink of qualifying for European football for the first time in the club's history.
These impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Manchester United have also been linked with Iraola as they continue to search for a permanent manager, despite the strong job done by interim head coach Michael Carrick.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Iraola is no longer under consideration for the top job at Old Trafford. Speaking last weekend about his future after Bournemouth's 1-0 win over Fulham, Iraola said: 'I'm in no rush. I'm fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the players and supporters.'
On his decision to leave Bournemouth, he added: 'It was not an easy decision but once it is made you feel relief. I feel we have used it in a positive way. Since that day, we've had great results but also the mood. Everyone is clear, the relationship is so clean and honest. OK, this is going to happen, next season Marco Rose will be our manager. Everyone knows what's happening. We are in a good place and can use this in a positive way.'
United's decision to rule out Iraola likely increases the chances of Carrick being given the permanent job in the summer. The 44-year-old has led the Red Devils back into the Champions League, with no other Premier League side picking up more points since his arrival.
Former United captain Wayne Rooney recently urged the club not to delay the permanent appointment of Carrick any longer. 'Manchester United need to invest in players in the summer in order to compete in the Premier League next season, in the Champions League next season, which is where they want to be. They have to invest,' Rooney said on Match of the Day. 'They have to strengthen the squad and I don't think there's any denying that. Now, if I was a player and Man United wanted to sign me, the first question I'd ask, “Who is the manager? Does the manager want me?” So I think [they need] to have clarity on the manager.'
'I think for the club to announce him, I think they need to do it swiftly because they need to get players in. They need to get players to improve that team.'
