ESPN FC pundit Craig Burley has urged Manchester United to appoint Andoni Iraola rather than hand the permanent role to interim manager Michael Carrick.
Speaking on the ESPN Podcasts show, Burley said Carrick has done a good job since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, but that form alone should not secure him the job. He named Iraola, the young manager who has already confirmed he will leave Bournemouth this summer, as the best candidate for Old Trafford.
Iraola, 43, is set to depart Bournemouth at the end of the season after a successful three-year spell. He led the club to a joint-best ninth-place finish and a record 56-point Premier League campaign, and has kept them in contention for European qualification this term despite significant player sales. Bournemouth has already confirmed his exit when his contract expires in the summer, and reports have described him as the strongest candidate to take over at United. Burley pointed to that track record and Iraola's progressive style as reasons United should look outside the club.
Carrick remains the frontrunner inside United. The former midfielder has won nine of his 13 games in interim charge and has the team on course to secure Champions League qualification, a run that has shifted the mood at the club. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly praised Carrick for doing an excellent job, and recent briefings suggest he is still the clear favourite for the permanent position, with strong support from senior players.