Andoni Iraola’s ‘preference’ could see Chelsea beat Man Utd to Bournemouth manager

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Andoni Iraola's 'preference' could see Chelsea beat Man Utd to Bournemouth manager

Andoni Iraola has been linked with the Chelsea and Manchester United manager's job

CommentsChelseaMark Wakefield Sport Central Audience Writer15:03, 30 Apr 2026Updated 15:03, 30 Apr 2026

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Chelsea could have an advantage over Manchester United this summer in the battle to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new manager. The Blues have been linked with the AFC Bournemouth boss as their potential new head coach, with an appointment expected to be made this summer.

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Iraola has already confirmed that he will leave Bournemouth when his contract runs out at the end of the season, leading to plenty of speculation about where the 43-year-old could go ahead of next season.

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Chelsea are also looking for a new manager following the departure of Liam Rosenior last week, who has since been replaced by interim boss Calum McFarlane until the end of the season.

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United will be expected to appoint a new permanent manager in the weeks or months ahead, where Michael Carrick has been in interim charge since January and is a candidate to get the job on a permanent basis.

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Iraola has been linked with both Chelsea and United in recent months, and now a fresh report could give the Blues encouragement if they do decide to appoint the Bournemouth boss.

According to The Telegraph, Iraola is “attracted” to the idea of taking a job in London, which, as a result, could be a major boost to Chelsea if they do decide to try and bring the Cherries boss to Stamford Bridge.

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Crystal Palace are also mentioned in the report as having an interest in appointing Iraola as their next manager, with Oliver Glasner expected to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season.

Iraola recently spoke about his decision to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, where he admitted he is yet to choose what to do next.

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"The decision was not about any other club, there was no other club involved. It was about either continuing here or not continuing here," Iraola said earlier this month.

"I don't know what I want to do next season. I don't know if I am going to coach a team, a club. I don't know if I am going to coach an international team.

"I don't know if I am going to coach in this continent. I have no idea what is going to happen.

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"I don't know if you are going to believe me, but it is the truth. And also, I don't have any rush to want to know it.

"I have taken a big decision for me, now I want to focus on what we have in this moment. These next six games are massive for us. There is going to be time to think."

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