MANCHESTER UNITED are on the hunt for their next manager – but the search might end close to home.
That’s because bookmakers talkSPORT BET, who’ve updated their latest betting odds after Ten Hag was sacked this morning, have named club legend and new interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy as the odds-on favourite to take the reins.
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Ten Hag won both domestic cups in his two-and-a-half years in charge but has performed well below par in the league, with this season no different.
United’s record is now just one win in their last EIGHT games – and even that was a come-from-behind win against Brentford.
They’re now down in 14th place after nine games, though Sunday’s defeat at West Ham did come with some controversy after a soft late Hammers penalty.
But United missed enough chances to win three or four games and that has summed up their issues at present – including THAT Diogo Dalot sitter.
Only Southampton and Crystal Palace in 20th and 17th have scored fewer than United. Yet interestingly, former striker and new interim boss Van Nistelrooy is the favourite to take the gig permanently..
Here’s the runners and riders, according to talkSPORT BET:
Ruud van Nistelrooy
- Current role: Manchester United interim manager
- Odds for Man Utd job: 4/9
Was brought in as Ten Hag’s assistant with an improvement in the forward areas expected.
That has proven a difficult task as they continue to be abysmal in front of goal, though now handed interim charge which is an even greater challange.
Since his return to the club in the summer, he has been continually linked with the hot-seat and now gets his chance, for a short period at least.
Management experience at PSV should help but needs forward areas to improve – and quickly.
Ruben Amorim
- Current role: Sporting manager
- Odds for Man Utd job: 3/1
The man that saw ALL the support with the bookmakers, even before United’s latest defeat on Sunday.
Sporting boss Amorim has been labelled ‘the new Pep’ and is touted as the man to replace Guardiola when he eventually leaves City.
Could United nip in ahead of them? His Sporting side are already six points clear in Liga Portugal in early stages.
The 39-year-old deserves a big move but is United right for him?
Gareth Southgate
- Current role: Unemployed
- Odds for Man Utd job: 7/2
Gareth Southgate’s name has been well-linked with this job pretty much all year.
The former England boss was reportedly the number one choice of Sir Jim Ratcliffe during his takeover process, with new technical director Jason Wilcox also a fan.
Stepped down following a dismal Euro 2024 campaign and yet to find a new management role since, though also worked with sporting director Dan Ashworth at the FA, which also sways things in his favour.
Cheaper option for a club looking to cut costs but also seemingly a sound option who is well respected in United dressing room.
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Thomas Frank
- Current role: Brentford manager
- Odds for Man Utd job: 8/1
Saw considerable support in the summer and could be one United look at again.
Sitting ninth in league and have scored and conceded 18 goals after nine games.
Exciting, attractive football and fast becoming a team to watch in the division.
Well backed from 14/1 last week.
Xavi
- Current role: Unemployed
- Odds for Man Utd job: 8/1
Barcelona legend Xavi hasn’t had a tremendous start to life as a manager.
But players who have worked with an under Guardiola are beginning to give it a good crack and no reason he won’t be any different.
Reports last week suggested he’d been sounded out by INEOS for a move and his wife shared a picture of the former midfielder filling out a sticker book with his young son – who happened to be wearing this season’s Man Utd top.
One to keep eye on for sure.
Kieran McKenna
- Current role: Ipswich Town boss
- Odds for Man Utd job: 10/1
The Ipswich boss was well in contention for both the Chelsea and Brighton roles over the summer but neither move materialised.
Instead, penned new deal at Portman Road and has steadied the ship after a difficult start to the season.
His style of play at Ipswich was one thing but back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League has shown he’s a winner and puts him in the shop window for a host of top clubs.
Has worked at United in their academy previously so should have some idea of the job at hand.
Other Man Utd next manager contenders
Next Man Utd manager odds
talkSPORT BET prices
- Ruud Van Nistelrooy – 4/9
- Ruben Amorim – 3/1
- Gareth Southgate – 7/2
- Thomas Frank – 8/1
- Xavi – 8/1
- Kieran McKenna – 10/1
- Graham Potter – 10/1
- Michael Carrick – 12/1
GRAHAM POTTER (10/1) dominated this particular market for the majority of last season.
Potter, who also has previous of working with Dan Ashworth at Brighton, has remained out of work since his sacking from Chelsea at the beginning of last year though and recently broke silence on links with United.
Has met owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and no surprises should his odds shorten again if a job here becomes available.
MICHAEL CARRICK (12/1) is another of the young coaches making his way in the game and has started life brightly as Middlesbrough boss.
Currently ninth and a point outside the playoffs at early stage, this jump might come a few years too early for him.
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