Updated: 13 May 2026 10:27 BST |
4 min read
Chelsea have been handed a boost in their search for a new manager after Andoni Iraola was ruled out of contention for the Manchester United job, according to the Daily Mail.
The Premier League heavyweights are both looking to appoint permanent managers at the end of the season, with Chelsea having sacked Liam Rosenior in April while United dismissed Ruben Amorim three months earlier.
Chelsea are currently being overseen by interim boss Calum McFarlane, who has guided the club to the FA Cup final, while United caretaker manager Michael Carrick has steered his side back into the Champions League.
However, while widespread reports indicate Chelsea will appoint a permanent successor to McFarlane, United are believed to considering retaining Carrick – such has been their impressive form under his stewardship.
And now the Mail are reporting that Carrick has moved a step closer to being handed the United role on a permanent basis after club officials opted against appointing outgoing Bournemouth boss Iraola.
Iraola has established himself as one of the most promising young managers in the world following his stellar work at Bournemouth, who are currently sixth and hold an outside chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
The Spaniard’s remarkable work has led to him being considered for the Chelsea post, according to The Telegraph, though the club are believed to be considering several other names.
While The Telegraph believe the Blues are interested in departing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported earlier this week that the club have held positive talks with Xabi Alonso.
Alonso is currently a free agent after being sacked by La Liga giants Real Madrid in January – just eight months after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
Despite being dismissed by Real, the 44-year-old is still considered one of the best young managers in the world, having disrupted Bayern Munich’s dominance in Germany by leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24.
Chelsea lock horns with Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, while United entertain Nottingham Forest in their final home game of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Analysis: Iraola a man in demand following Bournemouth heroics
While it remains to be seen whether United have decided to pass on appointing Iraola, the Bournemouth boss is set to receive a number of offers come the end of the season.
The 43-year-old has earned plenty of admirers for leading the Cherries’ charge towards qualifying for European competition, despite losing a host of key players including Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi.
According to The Telegraph, Palace have made Iraola their preferred candidate to replace Glasner in the summer – an ambitious move which, if successful, would be seen as a massive coup, considering Chelsea’s interest.
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