🚨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 Eye Xabi Alonso as Next Manager Amid Rising Pressure on Erik ten Hag

In a dramatic twist, Manchester United are reportedly prepared to wait until the summer of 2025 to bring in former Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager. According to a report from Spanish outlet Todofichajes, the club’s interest in Alonso has the potential to intensify the rivalry between United and Liverpool, with Alonso being a much-loved figure at Anfield.

The pressure on United’s current manager, Erik ten Hag, has reached a critical level, with the team only winning three of their first nine matches this season. With a pivotal clash against Aston Villa on the horizon, many speculate that defeat could signal the end of Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford. Reports from TeamTalk suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s minority shareholder, will be attending the match, which may be Ten Hag’s final opportunity to prove his worth.

Xabi Alonso: A Bold Choice or a Risky Gamble?

For Liverpool fans, Xabi Alonso needs no introduction. The former midfielder was instrumental in the club’s 2005 Champions League triumph and 2006 FA Cup victory. Known for his footballing intelligence and composure, Alonso has transitioned into management and recently led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, further enhancing his reputation.

Earlier in 2024, Liverpool briefly considered bringing Alonso back as a manager after Jürgen Klopp’s departure, but Alonso decided to remain at Leverkusen for another season. This decision increased his value in the managerial market, with rumors linking him to a future role at Real Madrid, where he’s considered a natural successor to Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite his strong ties to Liverpool, Manchester United are keen to make Alonso their primary target once the 2024/25 season concludes. Should Ten Hag be dismissed mid-season, reports from The Mirror suggest that United’s assistant manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, would take over temporarily, while Alonso remains the long-term goal for the club.

Alonso’s Prospects at Manchester United

One of the major questions surrounding this potential appointment is whether Alonso would seriously consider managing Manchester United, a club that represents Liverpool’s fiercest rivals. Alonso is adored by Liverpool fans, and moving to Old Trafford would be a difficult pill for them to swallow. Additionally, United’s current struggles—lack of Champions League certainty and issues with squad development—could make the job less attractive to a manager of Alonso’s caliber.

Adding to the complexity, pundits like Paul Merson have recently highlighted the contrasting management styles of Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Ten Hag at United. Merson praised Slot for transforming players like Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool, while he criticized Ten Hag for failing to improve his squad. “Good coaches make players better, and that’s exactly what Slot has done,” Merson said. “In contrast, no player has visibly improved under Ten Hag’s management.”

Although Alonso is the leading candidate, TeamTalk has mentioned that United have other potential targets. Managers like Thomas Tuchel and Massimiliano Allegri, both currently without jobs, are admired by the United board. British managers such as Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, and Gareth Southgate have also been linked with the position.

Is Waiting for Alonso the Right Move?

United’s decision to potentially wait until the summer of 2025 to secure Alonso raises eyebrows. Bringing in a permanent manager midway through a season can be risky, as it may disrupt any potential progress. However, if Alonso does take the job, his arrival will undoubtedly invite comparisons to Arne Slot at Liverpool, who has been widely praised for his immediate impact on the team’s style of play and results.

One factor to consider is whether Alonso would even be interested in taking over a club like Manchester United, which is currently in transition. With Real Madrid potentially on the horizon, where Alonso is frequently tipped as a future manager, the timing might not be ideal for him to join United. His loyalty to Liverpool also remains a significant question mark.

Concern Among Liverpool Supporters

For Liverpool fans, the prospect of seeing Xabi Alonso manage Manchester United is troubling. Alonso’s legacy at Anfield is one of pride and admiration, and to see him take charge of their biggest rivals would be difficult to accept. Beyond the emotional aspect, there’s a legitimate concern about the impact Alonso could have at Old Trafford. His managerial success at Bayer Leverkusen suggests that he could turn United into a formidable side, a prospect that Liverpool supporters would rather not see materialize.

From a neutral perspective, it remains unclear whether Alonso would want to take the reins at United given his deep ties to Liverpool and the possibility of managing Real Madrid. Yet, in football, surprises are common, and if Alonso sees United as a worthwhile project, the unexpected could happen.

Liverpool fans will be hoping that Alonso either remains loyal to the Reds or waits for an opportunity at his former club or Real Madrid. Whatever the outcome, this managerial saga is set to be closely watched by supporters of both Liverpool and Manchester United. A decision of this magnitude could define the futures of both clubs for years to come.