However, Carrick is seen as a stopgap measure following Ruben Amorim’s sacking at the start of the year, and speculation has swirled over the coming months about his long-term appointment as United’s manager. There are several candidates in contention for this position, including Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Xavi, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique. However, it appears that four of those five have recently been discounted due to their lack of experience in English first-class football.
Manager David Ornstein reported earlier this month that United are exclusively pursuing a Premier League manager to replace Amorim. It represents a shift in strategy after both the Portuguese coach and Erik ten Hag struggled to adapt to one of the toughest divisions in football.
“Premier League experience is extremely important,” Ornstein told The Athletic. “We didn’t have that with Amorim, we didn’t have that with Ten Hag, but the rumors that have come out of United in the last 24 hours are that Premier League experience will be very important for them.”
If Ornstein’s report proves accurate, it means Nagelsmann, Xavi, Zidane and Enrique will no longer be on Manchester United’s list of players despite their impressive resumes. If that happens, Alonso will be the only player left on the shortlist.
However, the appointment of the Spaniard comes with complications. United have brought in former Liverpool talents such as fitness coach Andy O’Boyle in the past, but they have never appointed a former player from their arch-rivals as manager.
United supporters may be hesitant about the Spaniard taking charge at Old Trafford, given that Alonso spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009 and remains beloved by the Kop faithful. Such reservations may be well justified, especially considering the 44-year-old’s previous statements regarding his former club.
Speaking on his return to Anfield for a charity match in 2022, Alonso said: “Once it’s red, it’s always red. I don’t think it’s a logo, it’s reality. I think not only in my case, but most people feel very close to the club. No matter where you are in the world, Liverpool fans remember you and make you feel closer to the club. That’s the best thing about Liverpool. It’s all about the support from all over the world and all the family.”
However, if Alonso is out of work until the summer, United will not pay a penny in club compensation. This is in stark contrast to the £9.25m United reportedly paid to sign Amorim from Sporting CP in November 2024. Alonso left Real Madrid after just seven-and-a-half months in charge and was made available to take over on Monday, the day after the club lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
In a post on Instagram after leaving the club, he said: “This chapter of my career has come to an end, but it did not go the way I had hoped. Being the manager of Real Madrid is both an honor and a responsibility.”
“I would like to thank the club, the players and above all the fans and the fans of Madrid for their trust and support. I leave here with respect, gratitude and the pride of having given my best.”
