Liverpool may thwart Man United’s search for a new manager. Jeff Stelling has a theory.
Despite the January transfer window being in full swing, it’s the manager market that has dominated the news cycle with plenty of changes in personnel around Europe since the turn of the new year.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool future has been questioned on numerous occasions this season, and some fans continue to doubt his suitability to the top job at Anfield.
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Is winning the FA Cup enough to keep Arne Slot in a job beyond 2025/26? If not, why? 🤔
Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts The Emirates FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium
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But while he has kept hold of his position, Liverpool’s fierce rivals in Manchester have run out of patience. They have replaced Ruben Amorim with Michael Carrick on an interim basis, and will be looking for a permanent hire in the summer.
They might have to cross the name of one fresh candidate off the list.
Jeff Stelling says Xabi Alonso would never join Man United given Liverpool past
The latest high-profile manager to become available is Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso.
Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid after six months in charge and is now being linked with every job under the sun.
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That includes the one at Old Trafford, but Stelling is certain that won’t come to pass.
Appearing on talkSPORT, he says: “In terms of Xabi Alonso, because of his Liverpool links, I don’t see him ever going to Manchester United as manager.
“And I don’t necessarily see Old Trafford fans accept him either. Especially if they lost two or three under him.”
Xabi Alonso has previously admitted his dream of managing Liverpool
“I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare. If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”
Xabi Alonso in 2018
Liverpool FC Legends v FC Bayern Legends - Friendly Match
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Managers with close ties to a club don’t tend to do well in jobs with a rival. Look at someone like Rafa Benitez, who was never accepted at Chelsea.
Additionally, Alonso’s Liverpool ties mean he would surely rather wait it out for an opportunity at his old club rather than ruining his relationship with the fans by joining United.
Ally McCoist agrees, but doesn’t question Alonso’s ability
In the studio with Stelling, Ally McCoist agreed with his claims about Alonso.
He doesn’t see that working for either side, but that has nothing to do with the coaching quality he is convinced Alonso has.
As he puts it: “Yeah, I just don’t see it. I really do not see it happening. I just can’t see it happening. I mean, time will tell.
“But that’s not to say that Xabi Alonso will not be in demand. Because he will be in demand. Because he’s proved he’s excellent, particularly in his job at Leverkusen. Absolutely outstanding.”
Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso during Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
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The Slot nay-sayers will be looking at the past 24 hours and thinking they have their out. Alonso was linked with the job many times before, but the timing wasn’t right.
If you’re asking me, it’s a drastic change to undergo in January, especially given that Liverpool haven’t lost a game since November. Alonso’s system would be a complete change, and there’s no guarantee it works out.
Slot won the Premier League just eight months ago. Surely you give him the rest of the season and reassess then?
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