Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has urged Xabi Alonso not to accept the Manchester United job if he is offered it. The footballer-turned-pundit believes that the Spaniard needs to take a break and reflect on what happened at Real Madrid.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol compared Alonso's move to Manchester United to going from the frying pan straight into the fire. He does not think the Old Trafford job should be considered even after the manager takes a break until the end of the season, and said:
“I think not… Just take the Liverpool side of it away. You talk about coming out of the frying pan and into the fire. No. Xabi Alonso needs to have nothing to do with anything for a good six months. Then, look back, and figure out what happened at Real Madrid… He needs to go sit on the beach for six months, have a couple of tequilas, and decide what to do. But stay away from Manchester United.”
Real Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso on Monday, January 12, less than 24 hours after the Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona. The manager was in charge for just seven months, managing 34 matches and finishing with 24 wins and six losses.
Manchester United's rivals have Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso on wishlist
Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso is a target for Manchester City should Pep Guardiola leave the club soon. Duncan Castles has reported that Manchester United's derby rivals have him on their wishlist and reported the interest before the manager parted ways with Real Madrid and said:
“Xabi Alonso has been included on Manchester City’s list of potential replacements for Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has a contract until the end of 2027, but as we’ve discussed for years now, City have been preparing for the point at which he decides he’s had enough and wants to move on to other areas, probably national team management, a break, and then national team management again, with a lot of time on the golf course in between."
"One of the candidates is Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid in the summer but has struggled to consistently win at the Spanish club, to the point where there has been discussion about whether Madrid might part company with him."
Apart from Alonso, Enzo Maresca has also been linked with Manchester City, while Real Madrid and Manchester United are also keeping tabs. Xabi Alonso is likely to have Liverpool chasing him should Arne Slot not manage to turn things around at Anfield.