Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has already made his position clear regarding the Manchester United managerial role. The ex-Real Madrid manager was relieved of his duties on Monday, following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. At just 44, Alonso’s departure from the Bernabeu comes only seven months into his tenure. He was one of the most sought-after managers two summers ago and is now available once again.
Liverpool had been keen on bringing their former player back to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp‘s successor, while Bayern Munich and Madrid also expressed interest in appointing him as head coach. However, he chose to stay with Bayer Leverkusen last season, and according to The Daily Mail, also turned down an approach from Manchester United before they extended Erik ten Hag‘s contract.
This aligns with previous reports suggesting that the former Spain international would be hesitant to take the helm at Old Trafford due to his deep-rooted connection with Liverpool.
Despite leaving Anfield for Madrid nearly 17 years ago, Alonso remains a beloved figure among the Liverpool faithful and has often spoken about his enduring bond with the club he refers to as a “family.”
During a charity match at Anfield in 2022, he told Liverpool’s official website: “Once a Red, always a Red. It’s not a logo, I think it’s a reality. Not just my case, I think that most of us feel really close to the club.
“Wherever you are in the world, Liverpool fans remember you and they keep you closer to the club. That’s the best thing of Liverpool. All the support and all the family that’s around the world.”
Following Alonso’s departure from Madrid, speculation linking him with a return to Liverpool resurfaced almost immediately, though such a move remains far-fetched. Arne Slot has successfully stabilised matters at Anfield following a deeply concerning spell towards the end of last year which saw the defending Premier League champions drop into mid-table territory.
The Dutchman and his side extended their impressive unbeaten run to 11 matches across all competitions on Monday evening with a commanding 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup third round.
Strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike ensured the Reds progressed to the next stage, where they will welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Anfield next month.