Andoni Iraola has been ruled out of contention for the Manchester United job as Michael Carrick edges closer to being confirmed as head coach.
Although United insist no decision has been made, all the signs point to Carrick and an announcement could be made before the end of the season.
Iraola is leaving Bournemouth and it is believed that he would have been among the leading contenders if United decide against keeping Carrick. But Confidential understands the 43-year-old is no longer under consideration, leaving him free to discuss the managerial vacancies at Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
It looks as though Carrick has done enough to stay in charge after guiding United back into the Champions League. The 44-year-old is set to be rewarded with a new contract along with his backroom staff of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion.
It would make sense for the club to clarify the situation before the players leave for the summer after the final game at Brighton a week on Sunday. The squad are known to have been talking amongst themselves about who might get the job if Carrick doesn’t. It also promises to be a busy transfer window for United, and potential targets will want to know who will be in charge at Old Trafford next season.
The club have been determined to take their time and follow a thorough process that has involved talking to a number of candidates.
Michael Carrick’s hopes of landing the Manchester United manager’s job permanently have been given a boost
Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season – but the Spaniard won’t be heading to Old Trafford
United bosses also wanted to allay any remaining concerns about backing Carrick, whose only other managerial job was at Middlesbrough, and were wary of history repeating itself following the decision to give caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a long-term contract in 2019.
But they have been hugely impressed by the way Carrick has galvanised the club since replacing Ruben Amorim in mid-January, winning 10 of his 15 games in charge with three draws and just two defeats.
Confidential revealed last month that Carrick was in pole position to be installed on a permanent basis, and wins over Brentford and Liverpool to clinch a place in next season’s Champions League only strengthened his case.
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