Wayne Rooney says he finds it unattainable to examine a world wherein Xabi Alonso replaces Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s next everlasting manager.
Michael Carrick has been installed as United’s interim head coach until the top of the season after Amorim was faraway from his post earlier this month.
Carrick will take charge of his first game on the weekend because the Red Devils host Manchester City within the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
But behind the scenes, work will already be underway to discover a marquee summer appointment to tackle the United job permanently ahead of next season.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and current England boss Thomas Tuchel are two of the early favourites to tackle the role, with each only under contract until the summer.
Meanwhile, managerial sackings at other clubs have put notable high-profile managers in the marketplace and available for hire.
Enzo Maresca is reportedly admired by senior figures at Old Trafford following his departure from Chelsea, while Alonso has already been linked with several top jobs after his departure from Real Madrid.
Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!
As a loyal Metro reader, we wish to be certain you never miss our stories when looking for your news. Whether it’s the most recent politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to make sure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Alonso achieved great success at Bayer Leverkusen, helping the German side win the Bundesliga for the primary time within the club’s history, but Rooney believes the Spaniard could have little interest in a move to United.
‘No probability it’s Alonso, no,’ the previous United captain said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
‘Before Liverpool, I might have loved Klopp, but you couldn’t bring him in or Alonso for that reason. I just don’t think you’ll be able to.
‘Alonso did incredible at Leverkusen but I believe you’ve got more probability of him sitting and waiting that Arne Slot leaves.’
As an alternative, Rooney said he would favor United to rent Tuchel, saying: ‘Tuchel is the one for me. I just think he knows the Premier League, he’s won trophies, he’s doing well at England. Time will tell.’
Despite just one win of their last six league games, United remain only three points behind fourth-place Liverpool and firmly in contention to secure qualification back into the Champions League.
And while Carrick could also be managerially inexperienced within the English top-flight, Rooney thinks his former teammate is the best man for the job at present.
‘I believe it’s the best alternative at this moment in time,’ he said.
‘It’s a difficult task in fact. Where Manchester United are on the minute shouldn’t be a very good place and Michael has to go in and regular the ship.
‘Michael’s great fun. He’s an awesome character, but don’t be fooled by how calm he looks.
‘He can have a good time as well, but make no mistake, he’d be entering into there now with full focus.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the most recent news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Man City agree deal to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool
MORE: Alan Shearer’s Premier League predictions including Man Utd vs Man City and Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
MORE: Mikel Arteta speaks out on Declan Rice row with Arsenal coach during Chelsea win