Manchester United have begun their search for a fifth permanent manager since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
The rumor mill is in full swing again over at Old Trafford as Manchester United begin a search for their next manager.
After almost three years, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out. The Red Devils have parted ways with the Norwegian following a poor run of results. First-team coach Michael Carrick takes over as interim manager until the club board appoints a permanent successor.
So as the 20-time English champions begin their search, Betfair has listed the current favorites to replace Solskjaer at the Theatre of Dreams.
Who could be the next Manchester United manager?
It’s a close call at the moment between former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and Leicester City coach Brendan Rodgers. The former is the bookies’ favorite, but only just. ‘Zizou’ has odds of 3.1, while Rodgers is priced at 3.6 at the time of writing.
Perhaps inspired by Solskjaer’s success when he first replaced Jose Mourinho as interim coach, Betfair has named United’s caretaker boss Carrick as the third favorite for the big job.
Below are Betfair’s 15 current favorites for the Old Trafford gig.
Note: Odds are correct at the time of writing but are susceptible to change.
| Pos | Manager | Country | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Zinedine Zidane | 🇫🇷 | 3.1 |
| 2. | Brendan Rodgers | 🇬🇧 | 3.6 |
| 3. | Michael Carrick | 🇬🇧 | 4.5 |
| 4. | Darren Fletcher | 🏴 | 7 |
| 5. | Erik ten Tag | 🇳🇱 | 11 |
| 6. | Mauricio Pochettino | 🇦🇷 | 19 |
| 7. | Laurent Blanc | 🇫🇷 | 21 |
| 8. | Ralf Rangnick | 🇩🇪 | 23 |
| 9. | Luis Enrique | 🇪🇸 | 26 |
| 10. | Graham Potter | 🇬🇧 | 26 |
| 11. | Roberto Mancini | 🇮🇹 | 26 |
| 12. | Gareth Southgate | 🇬🇧 | 34 |
| 13. | Julian Nagelsmann | 🇩🇪 | 34 |
| 14. | Roberto Martinez | 🇪🇸 | 36 |
| 15. | David Moyes | 🏴 | 41 |
How about Ronaldo?
Betfair has rated Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of becoming the next Manchester United manager with odds of 51.0 alongside Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, Arsene Wenger, Diego Simeone and others.
At one point earlier in the season, Ronaldo’s odds were much shorter and he was as high as sixth in the list of favorites.
But it now looks like Portuguese ace will focus on smashing in the goals and breaking more records for a while longer at least, while Carrick takes care of things from the dugout.
What does the media think?
The media, like the bookmakers, has suggested the Manchester United manager’s job is between Zidane and Rodgers.
Despite Rodgers claiming the links are ‘not real’ last week, reports continue to link him with the role. His work at Leicester City has made him a standout candidate. The club’s hierarchy rate him highly and might consider paying to release him from his Leicester contract, which runs until June 2023.
Zidane is reportedly not in a rush to return to management himself after leaving Real Madrid in the summer. The Times, though, has claimed United could increase their financial offer to tempt him.
When is the club’s next game?
Carrick will make his debut as interim coach on Tuesday evening in Spain as Manchester United face Villarreal in the Champions League.
They will then visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday in a Premier League match.
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