Manchester United have expressed admiration for Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola amidst increasing uncertainty regarding Ruben Amorim’s future at Old Trafford, as reported by journalist Miguel Delaney.
The Red Devils are believed to be one of several clubs that hold the ‘winning machine’ Spanish coach in high regard, who has achieved significant success at the Vitality Stadium since his arrival on the south coast in June 2023.
Iraola led Bournemouth to a 12th-place finish in his inaugural season of 2023/24 and built upon that performance last term, with the Cherries advancing to ninth place – their highest league finish ever – as the Spaniard implemented a four-at-the-back strategy.
Bournemouth have also commenced the 2024/25 season on a positive note, securing victories in three of their first four matches, with their sole defeat occurring on the opening day, a 4-2 loss away to champions Liverpool.
Iraola, who signed a contract extension with the club following a remarkable debut season in 2024, has less than a year remaining on his agreement, which is set to expire in June 2026.
Man United Admire Andoni Iraola
Delaney, in the Inside Football newsletter, disclosed that both United and Manchester City hold a favorable view of Iraola, who has been lauded as ‘incredible’ and ‘one of the best’ in the Premier League. The Sky Blues have identified the Spaniard as their ‘top target’ to succeed Pep Guardiola.
City had also contemplated appointing Amorim as a long-term successor to Guardiola last season, prompting United to act swiftly to secure the Portuguese manager in November.
Ten months later, the former Sporting Lisbon coach is facing intense scrutiny due to United’s disappointing start to the season, having garnered only four points from their initial four Premier League matches.
A 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby on Sunday marked United’s worst start to a league campaign in 33 years, leaving the club in 14th place in the standings—just one position above their finish last season.
Despite mounting pressure from both fans and analysts for the club to initiate another managerial change, United is not anticipated to make a decision regarding Amorim’s future in the near term, as GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has indicated.
Currently, the Portuguese manager enjoys the support of the United board, and discussions about his job security will become more serious if the Red Devils fail to position themselves for European competition as the season unfolds.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly of the opinion that the squad possesses sufficient quality to secure Champions League football in the spring, with senior club officials acknowledging that adequate progress is being made to delay the exploration of alternative managerial candidates.
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