The news about Xabi Alonso’s sacking is part of a trend in football management. After their loss in the Supercopa final, Real Madrid announced they would be letting go of the 44-year-old Spanish coach. With Chelsea and Manchester United having recently dismissed their managers, Real Madrid joins the list of major clubs making changes in January 2026.
Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final on January 11 in Dubai. Alonso appeared out of sync with his players during the post-match ceremony, particularly regarding a guard of honour.
Following his dismissal, Alonso, who previously led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title, is now available to join another club. This raises questions about whether Manchester United is considering Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid as they search for a new manager.
Will Manchester United Gain from Xabi Alonso’s Exit?
Manchester United has struggled recently, finishing 15th in the league last season. Frequent managerial changes have occurred, with Ruben Amorim being the latest to leave.
Alonso doesn’t share the same rapport with Manchester United’s board as Michael Carrick, who is a top candidate for the interim manager position. However, Alonso’s credentials as a World Cup winner and experienced manager make him a more appealing option in the long run.
His background includes playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, and he has learned from coaches like Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola. Recently, he won Bayer Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title, a significant achievement given the competition with Bayern Munich.
Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid has been decent; his former team is just four points off the top of the league and only lost narrowly to Barcelona in the Supercopa final.
Given Alonso’s youth and appeal, along with his experience in England, he could be a valuable long-term option for Manchester United. Additionally, if hired, he may face fewer challenges with star players than he did at Real Madrid.
However, based on United’s recent decisions, they may not consider him immediately. A sense of mediocrity has settled over the club for nearly a decade.
As one of the top clubs globally, Manchester United seems inclined to hire newer managers who may lack the authority to challenge board decisions.
Alonso Shouldn’t Stay Available for Long
Alonso is a capable manager and likely won’t be unemployed for long. If United is interested, they must act quickly. It remains to be seen if Alonso will take over at Manchester United.
They might learn from Manchester City, which swiftly appointed Pep Guardiola in 2016 after his departure from Bayern Munich. While Alonso’s managerial journey isn’t directly comparable to Guardiola’s arrival, there are some similarities. Ultimately, it’s uncertain whether Manchester United will gain from Alonso’s sacking.
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