Iraola has already revealed which MUFC player he’d relish working with after Romano confirms he’s ‘open’ to job

Manchester United’s looming summer managerial search has gained a fresh twist after transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is “open” to taking the Old Trafford post once the club decides on Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor.

United are expected to bide their time before appointing a long-term manager, with interim coach Michael Carrick currently steadying the ship after collecting four points from the last four fixtures. Carrick’s short-term stewardship has re-energised a squad that struggled through the final weeks of Amorim’s reign, yet the club’s hierarchy remain non-committal on his candidacy.

Iraola, whose contract on the south coast expires in June, has emerged as a credible external option. The 42-year-old Spaniard is poised to leave Bournemouth on a high, having already guided the Cherries to a record Premier League points tally (56) and a best-ever ninth-place finish last term. With his side now 11th but only three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, and boasting a 12-match unbeaten streak that includes last weekend’s eye-catching 2-1 win at league leaders Arsenal, Europa League qualification remains a realistic target.

Romano’s revelation that Iraola would welcome the United challenge is significant, yet perhaps more telling is the Basque coach’s public admiration for one of United’s emerging stars. Previewing his team’s trip to M16 earlier this season, Iraola singled out winger Amad Diallo as a particular threat.

“The signings they have made up front — [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha, [and] Sesko [are threatening] — but especially players like Amad, who is now even more important,” Iraola said. “He is an even bigger threat, and we have to be ready to defend difficult duels for the full-backs and for the centre-backs because you have to defend some very good players in open spaces.”

Those comments underline that Iraola has already identified the Ivorian as a talent he would relish coaching, should United’s decision-makers opt for a fresh direction in the dugout.

With the managerial carousel set to spin faster once the season concludes, Iraola’s availability, track record of improving sides, and clear appreciation for United’s current squad make him a name to watch in the coming weeks.