Manchester United hold talks with Xabi Alonso over manager's job
Manchester United have held talks with Xabi Alonso over the club's vacant managerial position, according to sources. The former Real Madrid manager is a free agent after leaving the Spanish giants by mutual consent in January, and is understood to have spoken to several clubs about a summer return to management.
Alonso, 44, is a man in high demand following his successful 34-game spell in charge of Real Madrid, where he oversaw 24 victories. Sources have told FootballTransfers that, alongside Manchester United, the Spaniard has also held discussions with Manchester City, Benfica, and Portuguese rivals Sporting CP and Porto. While Liverpool are considered strong contenders for his signature, the talks with United indicate the club is exploring a high-profile, modern appointment to succeed Erik ten Hag.
The pursuit of a new manager is unfolding alongside a significant squad rebuild, with the club's transfer strategy for the summer window also coming into focus. According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, United have ruled out moves for two midfielders previously linked with a move to Old Trafford. The club has reportedly decided against a move for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, with concerns over his fee and wages, and has also cooled on Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who is considered too similar in profile to the club's own Kobbie Mainoo.
United's recruitment team is, however, pushing ahead with other targets. The club retains a strong interest in Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães and Bayern Munich's Angelo Stiller, though the latter's lack of Premier League experience is seen as a potential obstacle. The primary target remains Newcastle's Elliot Anderson, with the club also discussing a potential move for West Ham's Matheus Fernandes. Brighton's Carlos Baleba is another name on the shortlist, with the Seagulls' valuation likely to be a key factor in any deal.
In terms of outgoings, there is significant speculation surrounding the future of defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch international, who has been restricted to just 14 appearances this season due to a back injury, is reportedly considering his future at Old Trafford. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atletico Madrid have emerged as strong contenders for his signature, with a fee in the region of €40m suggested as sufficient to secure his services. De Ligt is said to be a player of interest to Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
These developments come as United captain Harry Maguire publicly called for significant investment. Speaking from a training camp, Maguire emphasised the need for a successful transfer window. “I think this summer has got to be a big year because we’re not in Europe next year, we’ve played 40 games at the end of the season, and we definitely need a bigger squad next year,” the defender said, highlighting the need for a larger, more competitive squad for the domestic campaign ahead. The club's search for a new manager and a decisive transfer window appear to be the dual priorities at Old Trafford as they plan for a season without European football.
