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'Freedom' - Junior Kroupi has already told Man Utd forwards why they will love Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola has emerged as a potential candidate for the Manchester United job after announcing he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Andoni Iraola is leaving Bournemouth and is open to new opportunities this summer.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Manchester United chiefs still feel positive about Michael Carrick as they continue their head coach recruitment process, but Iraola has given them food for thought as he would be open to an Old Trafford move.

United are showing interest in Junior Kroupi as well as his Bournemouth teammate Marcos Senesi, who both thrived under Iraola.

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Where does Andoni Iraola rank for you among Michael Carrick alternatives?

Would you want Iraola at Old Trafford, now he is ready for a new challenge?

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Junior Kroupi loves playing under Andoni Iraola

The 2025/26 season has been a remarkable breakthrough campaign for Junior Kroupi, who has scored 10 Premier League goals at just 19 years old.

Kroupi was signed for £10 million in 2025 under Iraola’s tenure, and the young French forward has become a Premier League star under his management.

Speaking to FourFourTwo just last month, Kroupi piled praise on Iraola and explained why he enjoys playing under the Spanish manager.

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“He’s taught me about a new style of play and a new style of league,” Kroupi said.

“I’m able to work on certain things I didn’t work on when I was at Lorient, particularly from a defensive perspective – better positioning in the defensive phase or making a certain movement of a few metres that prevents me from having to make a long defensive run.

“When it comes to attacking, he gives me a fair amount of freedom. He also tells me to enjoy myself. That’s the most important thing – to enjoy yourself and keep helping the team.”

Is Michael Carrick the right man? United have only won one of the last four games…

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Andoni Iraola will give Man Utd attackers freedom

Kroupi spoke highly of Iraola’s tactics and his willingness to let forwards express themselves and play freely.

That will be music to the ears of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Amad Diallo, who have all played their best football when given freedom to play.

READ MORE:Andoni Iraola has already told Michael Carrick why he needs to start Amad against Bournemouth

Iraola’s attacking freedom is reflected in the number of goals scored by Bournemouth this season. The Cherries have hit the back of the net 48 times in the Premier League in 32 matches.

Only five top-flight teams have scored more goals than Bournemouth, who sit 11th in the Premier League table under Iraola.

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