INEOS identify jaw-dropping new target to replace Carrick this summer, it will send shockwaves across England – report

Real Madrid’s decision to sack Xabi Alonso yesterday has sent shockwaves around European football – but it will have a huge effect on Manchester United’s hunt for a new head coach, for two different reasons, according to a bombshell report. ‘Tis the Season for Sackings Real Madrid became the latest big club to sack an underperforming manager this week, joining Chelsea and the Red Devils in swinging the axe in the dugout in January. Despite Los Blancos being four points off the top in La Liga, and in a good place in the Champions League, Alonso was dismissed following the 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final as Marcus Rashford won his first trophy for the Catalan side. Sources at the Santiago Bernabeu reveal the 44-year-old coach clashed with star striker Kylian Mbappe before the game, while there were long-standing issues with club president Florentino Perez.  Yet it remains a ruthless decision to sack one of Europe’s most sought-after managers, just eight months after bringing him to the Spanish capital, regardless of internal conflicts. It was a similar story at Stamford Bridge where, despite two trophies in his first season, Maresca’s position became untenable in the eyes of the Blues’ hierarchy after the Italian manager met with intermediaries over the prospect of succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. United also pulled the trigger on Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous last week after a complete breakdown in relationship between him and the executive branch. Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge of the senior side on an interim basis, but Michael Carrick has now been confirmed as a permanent caretaker manager until the end of the season. A long-term replacement for Amorim will then be sourced over the summer – with Alonso understood to now be under consideration at Old Trafford in an explosive twist, given his previous allegiances. Anger at Anfield A host of coaches, both domestically and on the continent, including Maresca, have been identified as candidates by the Red Devils. Two of the leading options are Crystal Palace tactician Oliver Glasner and England boss Thomas Tuchel, who would not be available until after the World Cup this summer. But Caught Offside now reveals United are already “circling” around Alonso after being put on red alert by his unexpected availability. “Manchester United officials are already on ‘high alert’ following the news of Alonso’s availability…While Carrick is seen as the safe pair of hands needed to stabilize the ship immediately, the INEOS hierarchy is firmly focused on the summer. Alonso will now among the primary targets to lead the next phase of the INEOS project.” However, the report contends Liverpool – the club where the Spaniard spent five years, and remains a beloved figure – are also tracking Alonso, with growing uncertainty over Arne Slot’s future following a disappointing campaign at Anfield. The rivalry between United and Liverpool is one of the fiercest in English football. It will present a challenge for INEOS to convince Alonso to cross the divide and take the helm at the Theatre of Dreams. But the former midfielder is an ambitious young coach with a brilliant tactical mind, whose primary focus is implementing his philosophy with a team, rather than getting involved with recruitment. And this would be the exact model on offer at United: the chance to have full autonomy at the training ground, with a group of players willing to buy into his approach, while the structure above him takes care of the operation at Old Trafford. Featured image Lars Baron via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.