Andoni Iraola Eyed As Ruben Amorim Manchester United Replacement; Face Competition from Rivals

Andoni Iraola has emerged as a potential contender to replace the under-fire Ruben Amorim should Manchester United decide to act.

The Portuguese boss is in serious trouble at Old Trafford this season following a poor start to the campaign as they sit 14th in the division with just four points from their first four matches.

United have been toothless in attack which has left pundits like Rio Ferdinand worried while Amorim’s outfit have defended dreadfully at times with his goalkeepers also coming in for flak.

The Red Devils finished last season in 15th and that is still in the back of the minds of the club hierarchy and the support, and it does not make good reading for their coach.

Amorim faces sack calls now from punters with the board having to also put in place contingency plans for if they do decide to bite the bullet sooner rather than later and axe their gaffer.

Andoni Iraola admired by both Manchester United and City

It would likely see the Premier League giants scrambling for a new leader and an interim in place. But it is now being reported that United have identified Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as a possible contender for the job.

According to journalist Miguel Delaney, United’s higher-ups have been impressed with the Spaniard and the job he has done over his two years so far with the Cherries.

The Spaniard has had success at Bournemouth with his tactics working well in the system he likes to play.

And the 43-year-old is considered one of hottest properties in management which is obviously attractive to United.

They would, however, potentially face some competition from an old rival should they wish to seriously pursue Iraola, according to the same reporter.

Iraola’s record at Bournemouth makes for strong reading

Delaney claims Manchester City are also keen on the coach and have placed him on a list of possible coaches to take over from Pep Guardiola in the long-term whenever his countryman decides to pack it in at the Etihad.

City comfortably beat United 3-0 last weekend and considering the two clubs’ placements in the league table – and their recent history in the competition – fans might suspect Iraola would have a relatively easy decision to make.

However, that may not be the case.

The coach guided his side to 12th place in the Premier League in his first season before improving on that finish last season. He helped the club finish above United, convincingly, as the Cherries ended the campaign in ninth.

He has also recruited well in that time with the likes of Evanilson, Luis Sinisterra and Justin Kluivert performing well in the league.

Iraola is contracted until 2026.