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It's growing harder for Manchester United's hierarchy to ignore Michael Carrick as their search for a permanent head coach continues.
Man Utd have topped the Premier League table since Carrick took over as interim boss in January and have now clinched a Champions League spot. Yet, according to reports, the Red Devils are still exploring the managerial market for their next long-term appointment.
Andoni Iraola, who confirmed his Bournemouth exit last month, is regarded as one of the frontrunners for the role, with the Spaniard's remarkable rise with the Cherries potentially culminating in European football this campaign. What he has built on the south coast has earned him thoroughly deserved widespread acclaim.
With Man Utd's managerial situation still unresolved, here's a look at how they might line up if Iraola takes charge.
Andoni Iraola's Preferred Formation
Iraola has remained committed to the 4-2-3-1 since his arrival in England—the same system he favoured most at Rayo Vallecano. More significant, however, is his tactical philosophy, which is built primarily around intensity and aggressive high pressing.
United are well acquainted with Iraola's proactive style, having faced his Bournemouth side six times without a single win. The Red Devils have managed two victories and four draws against the 43-year-old's team.
Suffocating opponents is central to his approach, with man-to-man pressing triggered at the right moments allowing Bournemouth to regain possession in threatening areas. "Chaos" was the term initially used to introduce his methods to Premier League audiences, and the relentless energy of his side can certainly create havoc. The 4–4 draw at Old Trafford in December is a testament to that.
In possession, Iraola demands quick, direct ball movement. Winning the ball back so high up the pitch makes this an extremely potent strategy and is a cornerstone of Bournemouth's dynamic attacking play. Only four clubs have netted more goals than the Cherries this season.
United have frequently been criticised for a lack of structure and intensity under recent troubled regimes. That would certainly not be a concern under Iraola.
How Andoni Iraola Could Set Up at Man Utd
GK: Senne Lammens—The reaction was subdued when United signed the relatively obscure Lammens from the Belgian Pro League, but strong showings throughout his first season have quickly won over the fanbase. Whether the 23-year-old will develop into a top-tier goalkeeper is yet to be determined, but he has proven himself a reliable presence between the posts.
RB: Tino Livramento—United currently have two decent but unremarkable right-back options in Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, with neither expected to develop significantly in the years ahead. A more dynamic and attack-minded defender may be needed under Iraola, and Newcastle United's Livramento fits that profile well.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt—Injuries have disrupted De Ligt's season, but the Dutchman had shown an impressive level of performance before his spell on the sidelines. Looking ahead, he remains a key part of the club's long-term plans regardless of who manages the side.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—Another player whose injury problems have limited his availability and influence, Martínez still appears to be United's preferred left-footed centre-back option. With Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven available as cover, the Red Devils are not under pressure to recruit another centre-back this summer—though Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi could represent a shrewd free transfer.
LB: Adrien Truffert—Luke Shaw has been a surprisingly consistent presence this season, featuring in every Premier League fixture. However, he turns 31 in July and a long-term replacement is needed. With Patrick Dorgu yet to fully convince as a natural left-back, Bournemouth's impressive Truffert could follow his manager to Old Trafford on the back of a standout debut campaign in England.
CM: Sandro Tonali—Replacing Casemiro will be no easy task, and United realistically require two significant midfield additions this summer as they prepare to balance European and domestic commitments next season. Sandro Tonali has been linked with United and would flourish in Iraola's system thanks to his combination of work rate and technical quality.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo—Carrick has already helped revive Mainoo's path to stardom, and Iraola would have the ability to push the young Englishman to even greater heights. The Red Devils must centre their future midfield around the 21-year-old.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo—It has been a promising first season for Mbeumo, whose creativity and eye for goal have helped address United's previously misfiring attack. The Cameroon international has lost some momentum in recent months but is simply awaiting a spark to reignite his form.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—United's captain has excelled under every previous manager, regardless of how chaotic or ineffective the regime. Iraola would simply need to give Fernandes the freedom to orchestrate attacks and serve as the ultimate match-winner.
LW: Yan Diomande—Ruben Amorim's squad was assembled without a natural left winger in mind, but United must look to address that gap this summer. Matheus Cunha has shown flashes on the left without being a natural fit, and RB Leipzig's exciting Diomande could be an ideal addition over the Brazilian. The 19-year-old has racked up 21 goal contributions in his debut Bundesliga campaign.
ST: Benjamin Šeško—Like several of his United teammates, Šeško has benefitted enormously from Carrick's influence. The youngster is consistently flashing his enormous potential, and Iraola may well be the manager to unlock the next level of his development.