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Manchester United may have identified the first credible alternative to appointing Michael Carrick as the club's next full-time manager, though reports indicate the interim boss remains the frontrunner.
Carrick has guided the team through eight victories in 13 Premier League outings, pushing the Reds to the verge of securing Champions League football. Up to this point, United had adopted a notably laid-back stance on the question of who will lead the side next season.
However, the Telegraph reports that Andoni Iraola is viewed as the "strongest" rival candidate to Carrick. Iraola's exit from Bournemouth at the season's end has already been confirmed, placing the highly-regarded Spaniard firmly in the running, and it is his distinctive attacking philosophy that is believed to resonate with those making decisions at Old Trafford.
Carrick could be handed the role once a Champions League berth for next season is secured, but United appear open to at least exploring other options—something they have yet to do so far.
Chelsea are rumored to be competing for Iraola's services, following their dismissal of Liam Rosenior.
Why Carrick Hasn't Been Hired Already
Manchester United, despite a change in personnel at the top, appear wary of repeating the mistake of handing Ole Gunnar Solskjær a permanent contract while the campaign was still in progress.
Solskjaer remains United's most reliable manager in terms of Premier League finishes during the post-Sir Alex Ferguson period, yet performances still declined after he was awarded his permanent deal in March 2019.
The obvious downside to bringing in Iraola over retaining Carrick is his limited experience at the highest level. Following over 500 appearances for Athletic Club as a player, the Basque-born coach has managed Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth. His work at both clubs centered on developing smaller outfits to exceed expectations. Instilling a philosophy into an underdog squad as part of a long-term project does not align with Manchester United's ambitions.
Carrick, despite his only permanent managerial role being a stint with Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship, carries considerably more relevant experience within this environment.
He spent 15 years at Old Trafford as both a player and assistant coach, and an intimate understanding of the club is a quality that should be highly valued, given how United have frequently worn down even well-respected experienced managers who lack that familiarity.