Soon-to-be former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been linked with the Manchester United job
Manchester United have been linked with Andoni Iraola following the announcement that he will depart Bournemouth at the end of the campaign. The Spanish manager has garnered considerable praise throughout his three-year tenure on the south coast.
United remain in search of a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January. Interim boss Michael Carrick has positioned the team firmly in contention for a Champions League spot, but he won’t be the only candidate for the role.
Iraola has admirers at Old Trafford but United would anticipate competition for his signature as he nears the end of his Bournemouth contract. The 43-year-old has also been mentioned as a potential successor to Ernesto Valverde at Athletic Club, where he spent 12 years as a player.
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However, the opportunity to manage United could prove even more enticing. Should he be appointed in the summer, Iraola would encounter several crucial decisions at the start of his tenure.
Bournemouth duo targeted
Iraola could be joined at United by two members of his current squad next term. Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi and defender Marcos Senesi have both emerged as potential transfer targets.
Teenage striker Kroupi has enjoyed a standout campaign, reaching 10 league goals after netting against Arsenal last weekend. The Daily Mail reports that United are keeping tabs on the 19-year-old, who has also attracted attention from Liverpool and Chelsea.
Bournemouth would almost certainly command a substantial fee for the French forward, given that his contract runs until 2030. However, Kroupi has demonstrated his ability to find the net consistently in the top flight, averaging a goal every 125 minutes this term, and could represent a long-term attacking option for United.
The Mail also suggests that United have turned their attention to centre-back Marcos Senesi. The 28-year-old has been virtually ever-present for the Cherries this season and is expected to depart as a free agent.
Iraola has previously equipped several Bournemouth players with the foundations to flourish elsewhere. Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo and Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen are among those who reached new heights when leaving the Cherries, and United would be hoping that Kroupi and Senesi can follow a similar path.
Casemiro replacement secured
One of United’s most pressing concerns heading into the summer will be central midfield. Casemiro has confirmed his departure at the end of the season, meaning finding a successor to partner a rejuvenated Kobbie Mainoo will be high on the agenda.
While numerous midfielders have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would be an ideal fit. Although the England international is reportedly leaning towards a transfer to Manchester City, Iraola could make a bold statement by persuading the 23-year-old to reconsider.
Anderson is widely expected to leave Forest this summer and has been touted for a £65million switch to City. The midfielder has featured in the starting XI for all 32 of Forest’s league fixtures so far this campaign.
Alternatively, a further swoop on Iraola’s soon-to-be former employers for standout talent Alex Scott could also address the vacancy. Scott has been persistently linked with United and is himself on the fringes of the England squad.
Resolve Bruno Fernandes’ future
Bruno Fernandes has been instrumental for United since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020. The Portuguese midfielder has slightly over a year left on his deal and Iraola would no doubt be eager to settle the captain’s future, should he accept the United position.
The 31-year-old has contributed a combined 25 goals and assists in 29 league matches, underlining his significance to the side. Meanwhile, Fernandes recently outlined what would be necessary for him to remain at Old Trafford.
He told The Telegraph: “What I always say to the club is, ‘You can’t promise me that I’m going to win the Premier League. That’s impossible. But if you promise me that we’re going to be competitive and we’re going to be there at the end… that’s all I need to know.’
“Because then it’s on me to become the best version of myself, to help everyone around to become the best version of themselves, to become the club we want to be.”
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