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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 club 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 team next campaign.
However, the Telegraph reports that Andoni Iraola is viewed as the "strongest" rival candidate to Carrick. Iraola's exit from Bournemouth at the close of the season has already been announced, placing the highly-regarded Spaniard firmly in the frame, 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 season was still in progress.
Solskjaer delivered United's most consistent Premier League finishes in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, yet performances still declined after he was awarded his permanent deal in March 2019.
The obvious concern with appointing Iraola over retaining Carrick is his limited experience at the highest level. Following over 500 appearances for Athletic Club as a player, the Basque coach has managed Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, with both roles centered on developing smaller clubs to outperform expectations. Instilling a philosophy into an underdog squad as part of a long-term rebuild is not what Manchester United require.
Carrick, despite his only permanent managerial role being a stint with Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship, brings considerably more relevant experience to the table.
He spent 15 years at Old Trafford as both a player and assistant coach, and an intimate understanding of the club is an invaluable quality, given how United have frequently struggled even with well-respected, experienced managers who lacked that familiarity.