Man Utd make Andoni Iraola managerial decision amid Chelsea links | Football

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been ruled out of contention to become the next permanent manager of Manchester United, according to reports.

The 43-year-old has decided to leave the Cherries at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end.

Despite losing key players like Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Illia Zabarnyi last summer, Iraola has guided Bournemouth to the brink of European football for the first time in the club’s history.

And those impressive performances have attracted the eyes of several top clubs, including Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

United have also been linked with Iraola, as they continue to scour the market despite the impressive job done by interim head coach Michael Carrick.

But according to the Daily Mail, Iraola is no longer under consideration for the top job at Old Trafford.

Speaking last weekend about his future after Bournemouth’s 1-0 win over Fulham, Iraola said: ‘I’m in no rush. I’m fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the players and supporters.’

On his choice to leave Bournemouth, he said: ‘It was not an easy decision but once it is made you feel relief.

‘I feel we have used it in a positive way. Since that day, we’ve had great results but also the mood. Everyone is clear, the relationship is so clean and honest.

‘OK, this is going to happen, next season Marco Rose will be our manager. Everyone knows what’s happening. We are in good place and can use this in a positive way.’

United’s decision to rule out appointing Iraola surely only increases the likelihood of Carrick being given the permanent job in the summer.

The 44-year-old has delivered the Red Devils back into the Champions League, with no other Premier League side picking up more points since his arrival.

Speaking recently, former United captain Wayne Rooney urged the club not to delay the permanent appointment of Carrick any longer.

‘Manchester United need to invest in players in the summer in order to compete in the Premier League next season, in the Champions League next season, which is where they want to be. They have to invest,’ Rooney said on Match of the Day.

‘They have to strengthen the squad and I don’t think there’s any denying that. Now, if I was a player and Man United wanted to sign me, the first question I’d ask, “Who is the manager? Does the manager want me?” So I think [they need] to have clarity on the manager.’

‘I think for the club to announce him, I think they need to do it swiftly because they need to get players in. They need to get players to improve that team.’

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