Roy Keane has confessed he remains uncertain whether Andoni Iraola possesses the credentials required to take the reins at Manchester United. The Bournemouth boss is on the cusp of steering the Cherries into European competition for the first time in the club's history.
Nevertheless, he won't be the man at the helm next season, should they secure that historic achievement, as the Spaniard has confirmed he'll depart the Vitality Stadium at the end of the campaign. Iraola will be highly sought after, having also been touted for moves to Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
But he's equally in the frame to assume control at Old Trafford, with the club still deliberating over whether to hand interim boss Michael Carrick the role on a permanent basis. Keane, when questioned about whether Iraola would be a suitable candidate, acknowledged he's not wholly persuaded by the 43-year-old.
Keane's Honest Assessment
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of United's home fixture against Liverpool, Keane said: "I am not sure if he has done enough yet. I am sure United are obviously looking at him, his contract is up."
"Would I see him come to United? Probably not. It depends I suppose on the remit, the remit obviously at Bournemouth would be slightly different to United. At United you would be expected to win titles, whereas I am sure his remit there - where he has done an amazing job, keep winning football matches while you are selling players and bringing in that type of revenue."
"Would he be an option? Maybe they have spoke to him, I don't know. You have asked me if I see him coming to United and managing United... maybe not, but he has done an amazing job."
European Ambitions and Carrick's Triumph
While Iraola is just three matches away from guiding his soon-to-be former club into European competition, the Spaniard would find himself managing in the Champions League should he opt to take the reins at United. Carrick masterminded a thrilling 3-2 home triumph over Liverpool at Old Trafford, securing the Reds' place in Europe's most prestigious club competition next season.
Initially, United looked set to inflict one of Liverpool's heaviest ever defeats at Old Trafford, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko both netting within the opening 17 minutes. The visitors, however, fought back with two rapid goals after the break through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
Yet as the contest entered its final 15 minutes, Kobbie Mainoo unleashed a stunning half volley to seal all three points for the hosts. Prior to the drama unfolding at Old Trafford, Iraola had watched his Bournemouth side climb into the top six.
Bournemouth swept aside Crystal Palace 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium, with Jefferson Lerma's own goal setting the ball rolling, before Junior Groupi converted from the spot and Rayan added a second-half finish to seal the victory.
