The managerial landscape across European football has been thrown into fresh turmoil following the sudden departure of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid. The shock exit, confirmed by the Spanish giants on Monday, January 12, 2026, has immediately placed several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, on high alert.
The Sudden End of a Madrid Homecoming
Real Madrid announced the mutual termination of Alonso's contract less than 24 hours after a painful 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The 44-year-old, a club legend from his playing days, had been in the dugout for just seven months, having taken over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite a promising start and having Los Blancos positioned second in La Liga, just four points behind their El Clasico rivals, a dip in form proved costly. The team won only seven of its last 14 matches across all competitions. More damagingly, reports of a tense relationship with key stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior surfaced, with the latter reportedly unwilling to commit his future to the club while Alonso remained in charge.
The club's statement wished Alonso luck, calling him "a Real Madrid legend," but moved swiftly to appoint reserve team boss Alvaro Arbeloa as interim head coach, leaving his long-term status unclear.
Where Next for the Coveted Alonso?
Alonso's stock remains incredibly high despite the Madrid setback, largely due to his phenomenal 2023/24 season with Bayer Leverkusen. He guided the German side to an unbeaten domestic double, losing just once in 53 games—the Europa League final.
His availability has reignited speculation about a move to the Premier League. He was a strong contender to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool before Arne Slot's appointment and is seen as a likely favourite if that job reopens. Furthermore, Manchester City are reported to be considering him as a potential long-term successor to Pep Guardiola, under whom Alonso played at Bayern Munich.
Manchester United's Managerial Search Takes a Turn
The development at the Bernabeu has a direct impact on Manchester United's own protracted search for a permanent manager. The club sacked Ruben Amorim last week, and after caretaker Darren Fletcher lost both his games in temporary charge, Michael Carrick has agreed to take the reins until the summer.
This short-term arrangement confirms United's intention to conduct a thorough search for a boss to start the 2026/27 season. According to reports, despite Alonso's strong connections to arch-rivals Liverpool, he is a figure of interest to the Old Trafford hierarchy as they compile a wide-ranging list of candidates. The club is weighing its options carefully, with several ex-Chelsea managers also said to be under consideration.
For now, the football world watches and waits to see where one of Europe's most respected young coaches will land next, with the Premier League appearing his most probable destination.
