PL side has lined up urgent counter-move to stop United from swooping for their in-demand manager – report

Bournemouth are reportedly set to launch a counter-move to thwart Manchester United’s pursuit of Andoni Iraola, as the Red Devils learn who else is eyeing him. Managerial hunt Despite the success that Michael Carrick has enjoyed since he was named Ruben Amorim’s temporary replacement in December last year, it is still not a foregone conclusion that he will be handed the job on a permanent basis. Carrick has won six, drawn one and lost one of the eight games he has taken charge of. At present, United sit in third place in the Premier League table and firmly in line to secure Champions League football. However, United insist that they will conduct a thorough recruitment process rather than make knee-jerk decisions based on the transformation Carrick has overseen. United will assess all their options before settling on who they deem as the right man for the Old Trafford hot seat. Other coaches believed to be on the club’s radar are Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Oliver Glasner and of course, Iraola. Iraola’s work at Bournemouth has not gone unnoticed. He has steered them away from the relegation fights of old and established them as a dependable Premier League team. The Spaniard guided the Cherries to an impressive ninth-placed finish last season. They currently occupy the same position, yet with the campaign entering its decisive phase, a European place remains a genuine possibility. Last month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Iraola is likely to stay at Bournemouth, who are pushing to give him a new deal. Now, The i Paper say that Iraola hasn’t made any decision on his future and nothing is advanced. The news outlet however notes that Bournemouth are planning to reopen talks in the upcoming international break and finally end all the speculation surrounding their gaffer. This comes as United also learn who else is keeping tabs on the 44-year-old. Iraola update The i Paper report, “Bournemouth will reopen contract talks with manager Andoni Iraola in the upcoming international break in an effort to ward off potential interest from Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester United.” “He is a target for Palace and sources have indicated he has been discussed at both Spurs and Old Trafford – as well as for potential vacancies in Italy and Spain.” Palace’s interest in Iraola is described as the “biggest threat”, seeing as Glasner is already confirmed to be parting ways with the Eagles at the end of the season. The report further notes, “Iraola has kept his cards close to his chest but Bournemouth are aware of how highly rated he is and want to resolve his future before the end of the campaign.” “The club believe that they have illustrated their ambition and done everything they can to match Iraola’s own aspirations in a year in which they had to sell players to address issues around profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).” To persuade Iraola to stay, Bournemouth could back him with significant investment in the summer. They’re under no obligation to cash in. Whether United actually put that resolve to the test, though, depends on if they settle on him as their primary target. Feature image Shaun Botterill 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!