Live from Old Trafford, Manchester United is ready to shock the football world with a bold move for a Liverpool legend. According to reports from sky sports, Xabi Alonso is now the top candidate to take over as head coach, as the board prepares to pull the trigger on sacking Erik Ten Hag. In a stunning turn of events, Manchester United are reportedly willing to wait until the summer of 2025 to secure Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager. Can you believe it? A Liverpool icon at the helm of United! This decision could send shockwaves through the Premier League. The fans are in full support with this decision

Manchester United Consider Xabi Alonso as Future Manager Amid Erik ten Hag Pressure

In a surprising development, Manchester United are reportedly willing to wait until the summer of 2025 to appoint former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager. According to a report from Spanish outlet Todofichajes, United’s interest in Alonso could heighten tensions between them and Liverpool, as Alonso remains a beloved figure at Anfield.

Current United manager Erik ten Hag is under mounting pressure, having led the team to only three wins out of their first nine matches this season. With an important match against Aston Villa approaching, many speculate that a loss could mark the end of Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford. Reports from TeamTalk indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a minority shareholder at the club, will attend the game, which might be Ten Hag’s final opportunity to prove his capabilities.

Xabi Alonso: A Strategic Move or Risky Bet?

Xabi Alonso is a household name for Liverpool fans, having played a key role in their 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup victories. His intelligence on the pitch has translated well into his managerial career, with his recent achievement of leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title further boosting his credentials.

Earlier in 2024, Liverpool briefly considered bringing Alonso back as a manager after Jürgen Klopp’s departure, but Alonso opted to stay at Leverkusen. This decision has only increased his appeal in the managerial market, with rumors also linking him to a future role at Real Madrid, where he’s seen as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite his Liverpool roots, Manchester United have their sights set on Alonso as their top target for the 2025 season. If Ten Hag is dismissed mid-season, The Mirror suggests that United’s assistant manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, could step in temporarily, while Alonso remains the long-term goal.

Alonso’s Potential Future at Manchester United

A key question surrounding this potential appointment is whether Alonso would seriously entertain the idea of managing Manchester United, considering the club’s fierce rivalry with Liverpool. Alonso is revered by Liverpool supporters, and joining their archrivals at Old Trafford could be a hard pill for fans to swallow. Additionally, United’s current struggles, including uncertainty over Champions League qualification and issues with squad development, might make the job less appealing for a manager of Alonso’s caliber.

Complicating matters, pundits like Paul Merson have recently pointed out the stark differences between the managerial approaches of Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Ten Hag. Merson praised Slot for revitalizing players like Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool while criticizing Ten Hag for failing to improve his squad. “Good coaches elevate their players, and that’s exactly what Slot has done,” Merson remarked. “In contrast, Ten Hag’s tenure has shown little to no player development.”

Although Alonso is the primary target, TeamTalk notes that Manchester United are also keeping an eye on other potential candidates. High-profile names like Thomas Tuchel and Massimiliano Allegri, both currently out of work, are reportedly admired by the United hierarchy. British managers such as Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, and Gareth Southgate have also been linked with the role.

Is Waiting for Alonso the Right Decision?

Manchester United’s potential decision to hold off until 2025 to secure Alonso has sparked debate. Bringing in a permanent manager mid-season can be risky, as it could derail any progress being made. However, if Alonso does accept the role, he would likely be compared to Arne Slot at Liverpool, who has received widespread praise for his immediate impact on the team’s playing style and results.

One consideration is whether Alonso would even want to take on the Manchester United job, given the club’s current state of transition. With the possibility of managing Real Madrid on the horizon, Alonso may prefer to wait for a more stable and promising opportunity. His deep ties to Liverpool also raise questions about whether he would be comfortable managing their fiercest rivals.

Concern Among Liverpool Supporters

For Liverpool fans, the prospect of Xabi Alonso managing Manchester United is unsettling. Alonso’s legacy at Anfield is one of admiration, and seeing him take charge of their biggest rivals would be difficult to accept. Beyond the emotional aspect, there’s also concern over Alonso’s potential success at Old Trafford. His achievements at Bayer Leverkusen suggest he has the ability to turn United into a formidable team—something Liverpool supporters would dread.

From a neutral standpoint, it remains uncertain whether Alonso would embrace the challenge of managing Manchester United, given his strong ties to Liverpool and the allure of a future role at Real Madrid. However, in football, surprises are never far away, and if Alonso views United as a worthwhile project, the unexpected could very well happen.

Liverpool fans will be hoping Alonso either stays loyal to his roots or holds out for opportunities at his former club or Real Madrid. No matter the outcome, this managerial saga is sure to be closely followed by fans of both Liverpool and Manchester United, as it could shape the future

of both clubs for years to come.