Iraola Leaning Towards Old Trafford as United's Carrick Gamble Raises Eyebrows

Andoni Iraola has his sights set on Manchester United, sources suggest, despite interest from Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the Bournemouth boss.

The Cherries chief has orchestrated an impressive turnaround on the south coast, with Saturday's 1-0 victory over Fulham bolstering their Champions League qualification hopes. Yet his time at the Vitality Stadium is drawing to a close—his contract expires next month and he will depart when the season ends.

That departure has left several Premier League heavyweights circling. While reports earlier this week suggested a move to Selhurst Park was imminent, Iraola apparently has reservations about the Chelsea project and remains undecided on a Palace switch. United, meanwhile, emerge as his preferred destination.

The catch? A permanent United role for Michael Carrick would likely scupper any deal. Following the interim boss's Champions League-clinching performance, his appointment looks increasingly probable. That said, should United have second thoughts about making Carrick's position permanent, Iraola would reportedly be receptive to discussions with the Old Trafford hierarchy.

The Carrick Conundrum

Yet there's growing unease about handing Carrick the job long-term. Speaking after United's goalless draw with Sunderland, talkSPORT's Jason Cundy warned the club risks "sleepwalking" into a troubling situation, drawing parallels with the Solskjaer era.

Cundy acknowledged the positives—results have improved under Carrick's stewardship—but flagged a fundamental concern: the fixture congestion question. "They've had half a season off," he noted, pointing out that United have enjoyed a relatively light schedule under the interim boss.

"Manchester United are just six points off City," Cundy continued, "but City have won the Carabao Cup, been competing in Europe, and have the FA Cup final ahead. You can't ignore that context."

Performances, he suggested, have been unconvincing despite the improved points tally—a warning sign that United's resurgence may not be quite what it appears on the surface.