Jamie Redknapp ‘baffled’ Man Utd aren’t going ‘all out’ for ‘elite’ Premier League manager

Jamie Redknapp says Manchester United should be going ‘all out’ to hire Andoni Iraola rather than bringing back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a temporary solution.

The Red Devils decided to pull the trigger on Amorim’s tumultuous 14-month tenure at the start of the week and the hunt has begun for the Portuguese’s replacement.

Amorim appeared to pave the way for his impending departure following United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds as he launched an explosive attack on the board, in which he emphasised his desire to be ‘manager’ and ‘not just a coach’.

The ex-Sporting head coach also suggested he would be prepared to walk away from Old Trafford when his contract expired at the end of the 2026/27 season – a decision that was ultimately taken out of his hands.

In the intervening days, a host of high-profile managers have been linked as possible candidates to fill the vacant position, from Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner to ex-England manager Gareth Southgate.

It’s understood United will first turn to an interim solution, though, with Solskjaer and Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick both in discussions to return to the Theatre of Dreams while Darren Fletcher leads the squad as caretaker.

But speaking on Sky Sports ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Burnley, Redknapp revealed his astonishment that the Red Devils weren’t making an immediate move for highly respected Bournemouth head coach Iraola.

‘I’m such a big fan of his and I’ve got no doubt he’s one of the best, most elite managers in world football,’ the ex-Liverpool, Tottenham and England midfielder said.

‘Manchester United are talking about getting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back as an interim… I don’t understand why they wouldn’t try and get him.

‘It absolutely baffles me.’

It’s been suggested that United may be biding their time with Iraola, ready to pounce for when the Spaniard’s contract at the Vitality Stadium expires at the end of the season.

But according to Redknapp, United cannot afford to wait for the Bournemouth boss – despite a poor run of results for the Cherries over a tricky winter period.

‘Bournemouth’s my former club and I don’t want to see him leave Bournemouth where he’s done such a good job,’ he went on.

‘But he was second in the league earlier this season, lost three of the back four, had a really difficult run with injuries etcetera.

‘He’s an elite manager and I just cannot understand why Manchester United wouldn’t go for him because if he was second in the league, they’d be going all out for him.

‘Because he’s had this run, it’s probably cost him a big opportunity at a Manchester United. They should look beyond that.’

Asked if Bournemouth would consider appointing Solskjaer, Redknapp replied: ‘Absolutely no chance!

‘No one else in the Premier League would.

‘I like Ole, everyone likes Ole, but why’s he not got a job in the Premier League since he left Besiktas?’

According to Fabrizio Romano, Solskjaer is ‘open’ and ‘ready’ for the prospect of returning to United for a second managerial stint, four years after he was relieved of his duties.

The Norwegian departed Old Trafford with a 54.2 win percentage, coming out on top in 91 of his 168 matches at the helm in all competitions.

In the Premier League alone, Solskjaer – one of United’s treble heroes from 1999 – had a 51.4 win percentage.

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