Manchester United’s recent decision to sack manager Ruben Amorim triggered an endless wave of debate about who should replace him permanently.
Michael Carrick has been appointed interim manager and made a flying start by guiding the Red Devils to a 2-0 home victory over Manchester City last weekend.
The sportsbook linked to one of the top online casinos in the business rate Carrick as one of the favourites to be handed the job on a permanent basis.
However, predicting who will be the next United manager is as tricky as forecasting the outcome in roulette given the number of candidates in the running.
With that in mind, read on as we look at why it may pay to look beyond the bookmakers’ favourites when assessing who will be in charge at the start of next season.
Michael Carrick
Carrick’s spell as Middlesbrough manager ended after he failed to guide them into the Premier League for the third consecutive year.
His perceived tactical stubbornness frustrated the fans and it will be intriguing to see if he has learnt anything from his time in the Championship.
Carrick will forever be regarded as a legend for what he achieved as a United player, but his lack of managerial success should result in them looking elsewhere for their next boss.
Oliver Glasner
Glasner has done a sterling job at Crystal Palace, most notably by guiding them to success in the 2024/25 FA Cup by defeating Man City in the final.
However, things have gone pear-shaped since then, with the board failing to back him in the transfer market. Glasner is set to leave the club this summer.
The Austrian’s favoured three-man defensive system makes him a risky proposition for United and it would be a surprise if he ends up getting the job.
Gareth Southgate
Southgate’s prominent position in the betting market to be United’s next manager is baffling.
After failing in club football, Southgate did a decent enough job with England. However, despite having a star-studded squad, silverware eluded him.
If Southgate was the right man for the job, United could have appointed him now. It speaks volumes that they overlooked him.
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino is currently focused on leading the United States at the 2026 World Cup, but he could be an option once the tournament has finished.
He established a solid reputation with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, before embarking on a slightly underwhelming spell with Paris Saint-Germain.
Pochettino may feel like he has unfinished business in the Premier League after being ruthlessly sacked by Chelsea, and he could be a candidate for the United job.
Carlo Ancelotti
Former United defender Gary Neville named Ancelotti as an ideal target for the Red Devils and it is impossible to argue with his viewpoint.
Ancelotti boasts a stellar CV following successful spells across European football. However, he may not be willing to return to club management.
He is currently in charge of the Brazilian national team and United could find it tricky to prise him away from that role.
Unai Emery
Emery can be backed at 33/1 to be the next United manager and those odds make plenty of appeal in what is undoubtedly a competitive market.
He has transformed Aston Villa’s fortunes since replacing Steven Gerrard as manager, guiding them into the upper echelons of the Premier League.
However, while Villa are a big club, United are much bigger. If the Red Devils came calling, Emery would find it difficult to resist their advances.
