Man United have announced that they have appointed Xabi Alonso as their next manager
Currently, Xabi Alonso is the most wanted free agent in world football.
The 44-year-old has been out of work since January, following a tumultuous seven months as Real Madrid head coach.
Despite winning 10 of his first 11 games in charge at the Bernabeu, things quickly unraveled due to reported problems with senior players, including a major row with Vinícius Júnior.
His tenure ended amicably one day after a 3-2 defeat by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
But make no mistake, the Spaniard’s brief forays have not given up his stock one bit.
Xabi Alonso is in high demand this summer
The tactical genius behind Bayer Leverkusen’s 2024 Bundesliga title is still seen as a dream appointment for many clubs.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both looking for new managers. As for Liverpool, it has been reported that Arne Slot still retains the confidence of club officials.
Football expert Alan Pardew has suggested that Man United appoint Alonso as their next manager.
Pardew has told talkSPORT that United should sign Alonso in the summer ‘if he doesn’t go to Liverpool.’
He explained: “If you are going to look at the financial situation, Alonso will not charge you a transfer fee.
“Taking all his staff will involve a new contract with a new team. There is a real opportunity.
“I think they will have to drive a lot in the summer. Slot has had a strange season.
“He may finally enter the Champions League, is it enough with the injuries and problems he had?
“So that’s exciting, but if he doesn’t go to Liverpool, I think Man United should be interested.”
Can Man United gamble on Alonso?
If INEOS can somehow pull off the impossible, Alonso’s tactical philosophy could actually be a wonderful fit for the current club profile at Old Trafford.
During his time at Leverkusen, Alonso was very fond of the running back system.
Man United currently have talented defenders who play well in a back three but tend to struggle in a two-man pairing.
Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup accommodates the central players well. United don’t have any touchline players who come and go but boast several number 10s who can easily thrive in those inverted spaces.
Given how quickly Alonso’s dressing room at Real Madrid reportedly fell apart after seven months, putting him in the open for Man United comes with major risks.
With Michael Carrick already restoring harmony with other senior executives available, INEOS would be wiser to pursue someone who has no ties to their bitter rivals.
Man United are ready to take advantage of Tottenham’s uncertainty by targeting a midfielder
