Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace battle for Manchester United-linked manager

Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are ready to go head-to-head in the race to appoint AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola once the 2025-26 campaign draws to a close, according to the i Paper.

Both London clubs have placed the 43-year-old Spaniard on their shortlists as they weigh possible changes in the dugout, with Palace already braced for the departure of current manager Oliver Glasner, who has confirmed this will be his final season at Selhurst Park.

Iraola’s reputation has soared since steering Bournemouth to safety last term and keeping them competitive this year despite the summer sales of several influential players. His high-pressing, front-foot style has drawn admirers across the Premier League, including internally at Manchester United, where the recruitment team have previously discussed the Basque coach as part of their long-term planning.

United’s managerial position remains fluid after Ruben Amorim was dismissed at the start of 2026. Former midfielder Michael Carrick has steadied the ship as interim boss, but INEOS is expected to appoint a permanent successor in the summer, with Iraola among the names on a growing candidate list.

Bournemouth are determined not to lose their head coach without a fight. Senior figures at the Vitality Stadium intend to reopen contract talks during the upcoming international break and remain confident Iraola is content with the club’s environment and structure. The manager himself reiterated in October that he was happy on the south coast, yet sustained interest from Spurs and Palace suggests a tug-of-war could develop over the coming months.

With Tottenham yet to commit to a long-term direction under their current hierarchy and Palace preparing for life after Glasner, Iraola’s future promises to be one of the more compelling managerial narratives heading into the summer transfer window.