Several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, are on alert after Real Madrid surprisingly sacked Xabi Alonso on Monday.

Alonso departs the Santiago Bernabeu less than 24 hours after Real lost the Spanish Super Cup final 3-2 to Barcelona.

He only replaced Carlo Ancelotti as head coach seven months ago and leaves with Los Blancos second in the La Liga table, just four points behind their El Clasico rivals.

The legendary Spain midfielder enjoyed a good start upon his return to Madrid but the team’s form dipped over the winter, winning seven of the last 14 games across all competitions.

More pressingly, the 44-year-old had a tense relationship with several key players including Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, with the latter unwilling to commit his future to Real while Alonso was in the dugout.

‘Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach,’ a club statement read on Monday evening. 

‘Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values ​​of our club. Real Madrid...