🚨BREAKING NEWS: 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.

Manchester United is reportedly eyeing Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager, but they are prepared to wait until the summer of 2025 to bring him on board. This surprising news comes from the Spanish outlet Todofichajes, stirring up what could become an intensified rivalry between United and Liverpool, given Alonso’s celebrated status at Anfield. Alonso, who had a stellar playing career at Liverpool, remains a fan favorite there. His potential arrival at United could create tension between two of England’s most storied football clubs.

Current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under mounting pressure, with the team’s performance faltering early in the season. Winning only three of their first nine matches has fueled speculation about his future. A critical match against Aston Villa looms, and defeat might lead to Ten Hag’s dismissal. The situation is even more tense as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a minority shareholder in the club, is expected to attend the match, making it potentially Ten Hag’s last chance to impress. According to reports from TeamTalk, Ratcliffe’s presence underscores the severity of the situation.

Xabi Alonso: A Risky Gamble or Inspired Choice?

Xabi Alonso is a familiar name to Liverpool fans, who hold him in high regard for his contributions during his time at the club. Alonso was a key figure in Liverpool’s triumphs, including their iconic 2005 Champions League victory and the 2006 FA Cup win. He was known for his calmness and intelligence on the field, qualities that he has transferred to management. Currently at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has been making waves, leading the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title, boosting his standing in the world of football management.

Earlier in 2024, there were rumors that Liverpool might bring Alonso back to manage the club after Jürgen Klopp’s departure. However, Alonso chose to remain at Leverkusen for another season, increasing his value and fueling speculation about where he might go next. Real Madrid is also seen as a potential destination for Alonso, given his ties to the club and the possibility of him succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite Alonso’s deep connection to Liverpool, Manchester United seems determined to make him their top managerial target once the 2024/25 season ends. Should Erik ten Hag be dismissed before the season concludes, The Mirror reports that assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could step in temporarily, with Alonso being the club’s long-term focus.

Alonso’s Potential Impact at Manchester United

One of the key questions surrounding the prospect of Alonso managing Manchester United is whether he would be willing to take the job at a club that represents Liverpool’s most intense rivals. For Liverpool supporters, seeing Alonso in charge of Manchester United would be difficult to accept. On the other hand, the challenges that United currently face—such as inconsistency in performance and uncertainty over Champions League qualification—might make the position less attractive to a manager of Alonso’s reputation.

Adding to the complexity, football pundits like Paul Merson have drawn attention to the difference in managerial approaches between Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Liverpool’s current manager, Arne Slot. Merson noted how Slot has improved players like Ryan Gravenberch, while Ten Hag has struggled to develop his squad. “Great coaches make players better, and that’s what Slot has done,” Merson stated. “In contrast, no player at Manchester United has shown real improvement under Ten Hag.”

While Alonso remains the frontrunner for the job, TeamTalk suggests that Manchester United is also considering other candidates. Thomas Tuchel and Massimiliano Allegri, both currently without managerial positions, are reportedly admired by the club’s board. Additionally, several British managers such as Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, and Gareth Southgate are being linked to the position.

Should Manchester United Wait for Alonso?

Manchester United’s willingness to wait until 2025 to bring in Alonso is raising questions. Installing a permanent manager midway through a season can be risky, potentially disrupting team cohesion and progress. However, if Alonso eventually joins, his arrival will inevitably invite comparisons with Liverpool’s Arne Slot, who has been praised for his immediate impact on the club’s playing style and results.

Another key consideration is whether Alonso would even want to take on the United role. The club is in a transitional period, and the chance to manage Real Madrid may be more appealing. Alonso’s loyalty to Liverpool also complicates the matter. He may hesitate to lead Manchester United, knowing the emotional and reputational impact it could have, especially with Liverpool fans who hold him in high esteem.

Concerns Among Liverpool Fans

For Liverpool fans, the idea of Alonso managing Manchester United is troubling. His legacy at Anfield is filled with pride, and the prospect of seeing him at the helm of their greatest rivals is hard to accept. There’s also the concern that Alonso could succeed at Manchester United, potentially turning the club into a formidable force under his leadership—a situation Liverpool fans would undoubtedly prefer to avoid.

From a neutral standpoint, it’s unclear whether Alonso would ultimately choose to manage Manchester United, given his connections to both Liverpool and the possibility of a future at Real Madrid. Football is full of surprises, though, and if Alonso sees potential in Manchester United’s project, he could decide to take the job.

Liverpool fans will be closely watching Alonso’s next move, hoping that he either stays loyal to his past or waits for an opportunity to manage Real Madrid. Whatever happens, this managerial saga will be a pivotal moment for both Manchester United and Liverpool, with far-reaching implications for the future of both clubs.