Arteta 2.0: The “best young coach in the world” open to joining Man Utd
Manchester United’s problems undoubtedly go way beyond the playing squad, but given the nature of modern-day football, it’s the manager and players who take the brunt of the criticism.
Ruben Amorim has been the man to lead the club forward for the last 14 months, but that came to an abrupt end this week after he was dismissed by the board.
The 40-year-old’s outburst after the clash with Leeds United last weekend was the final straw for the manager, who won just 25 of his 63 matches at the helm.
The 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last season would have undoubtedly played on the minds of senior staff members, with such a finish unacceptable for a club of the Red Devils’ stature.
However, despite Darren Fletcher taking the reins on a temporary basis, the hunt has already commenced for a long-term solution to the managerial issue at Old Trafford.
Elite-level manager now keen on Man Utd move
Over the last 24 hours, rumours have been swirling over who could become United’s latest manager, with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær now wanting to return.
The Norwegian spent three years in charge at Old Trafford after signing a full-time contract following his own temporary spell at the helm back in December 2018.
He was sacked back in November 2021 after a dismal run of form, but a sensational return could be on the cards should the hierarchy decide to hand him the chance in Manchester.
However, he’s not the only option currently available to them, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola another manager who could replace the outgoing Amorim in the near future.
According to TEAMtalk, the Spaniard would be keen to discuss terms with the United hierarchy over a potential deal, with his deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.
The report also states that the 43-year-old is hugely admired by staff at Old Trafford, which could see him jump up the list of potential targets in the weeks ahead.
Another part of the article confirms that despite his interest in the role, he would prefer a summer move to get a proper opportunity to make his mark – with a temporary boss expected until the end of the season.
Why Iraola would be United’s very own Arteta
Whilst Arsenal are a club very few United fans are fond of, the fanbase will no doubt be feeling an ounce of jealousy in the direction of the Gunners under Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard has transformed the club from strugglers in the Premier League to title challengers – as seen by their three successive second place finishes.
However, this year, he may be about to end the club’s two-decade wait for a top-division title, with his men currently sitting six points clear at the top of the table after the first 20 outings.
The 43-year-old has given the fanbase a reason to be proud of their club – unlike United – something which Iraola has also done with the Cherries – but certainly on a different level to his compatriot.
Iraola, who’s from the Basque region like Arteta, took charge at the Vitality back in the summer of 2023, subsequently leading the club to their first-ever top-half top-division finish in 2024/25.
He’s worked closely with the recruitment team on the South Coast, often bringing in numerous top-level youngsters and developing them into consistent Premier League performers.
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The Red Devils have gone down a similar path in recent years, but ultimately, they haven’t had the correct manager to implement the right strategy to get the best out of their players.
Iraola has made himself a top Premier League manager in a short space of time, which has led to Sky Sports pundit Sam Tighe dubbing him the “best young coach in the world”.
He has achieved a 37% win rate at the Vitality, winning 40 of his 108 matches in charge – subsequently doing so on a shoestring budget compared to what he would have at United.
Andoni Iraola – PL stats
Statistics
Tally
Games managed
96
Wins
33
Draws
28
Losses
35
Goals scored
143
Goals conceded
151
Points won
127
Points per game
1.32
Win percentage
34.3%
Stats via Transfermarkt
His stint at Bournemouth has made him one of the most talented young managers in Europe, but it’s unclear if he would be able to replicate such achievements at Old Trafford.
However, his track record of taking sides up the Premier League and developing young talent are two positives that could hand him the chance to be the Red Devils’ next boss.
The similarities to Arteta are there for all to see, with such a gamble potentially catapulting the club back into a title fight over the next few years if they decide to back him.
Better than Glasner: Man Utd enter talks to hire one of the 'world's best'
Manchester United appear to be making progress over a move to appoint a new manager.
3 ByEthan Lamb