Andoni Iraola could be one of the candidates to become Manchester United manager if Rúben Amorim is dismissed from his position.
Manchester United have been among the worst sides in the Premier League this season, and most of the blame has been directed towards Rúben Amorim’s playstyle, despite the statistics telling a different story from the end result of most matches.
Recent reports have suggested that United don’t want to sack Amorim, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen on giving him a full season before making a final decision on the manager. However, a loss against Sunderland this weekend would give INEOS a big decision to make.
Many managers have been linked with the United job in recent days, but there has yet to be a firm favourite ahead of the rest. Gareth Southgate and Xavi were recently named as options by Fabrizio Romano, but Amorim remains in charge for now.
Some have said that United will look towards managers with Premier League experience if Amorim is sacked, making Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola two of the favourites for the position.
Iraola wants United job
Andoni Iraola has caught the eye since his move to England from Spain with his free-flowing attacking football. This summer, he has had to deal with several key players leaving the club, but it doesn’t appear to have affected Bournemouth too much.
They currently sit sixth in the Premier League, with wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton in recent matches. Bournemouth were beaten 4-2 by Liverpool on the opening day, but it took two late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohammed Salah to take the win.
TeamTalk have revealed that Iraola is “particularly high” on United’s shortlist if they decide to sack Amorim, and that the Spaniard is keen on the job.
A source close to the Bournemouth boss said: “Iraola loves Bournemouth and appreciates the freedom he’s been given there. But he’s ready to take the next step.
“Managing an elite club like Manchester United would be a dream opportunity to test himself at the highest level.”
Iraola could be the perfect Amorim replacement
Iraola would switch United away from a back three system and revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation, like seen under Erik ten Hag, but with different principles from the Dutchman.
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The Bournemouth manager would set his side up to play attacking football, with a high press without the ball to win it back as quickly as possible.
Transitional players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo could shine under Iraola, while Kobbie Mainoo could also return to the starting lineup, with Bruno Fernandes returning to his more natural No.10 position.
How United could set up under Iraola: Lammens, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Šeško
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