The Next Manchester United Manager: Candidates, Context and the Odds 

The manager merry-go-round at Manchester United continues and will dominate headlines for the club in the summer. The next Manchester United managerial candidates will be on the lips of everyone.

The instability at the club has never been more apparent than in recent years. After the sacking of Erik Ten Hag, the club went in the direction of Ruben Amorim, a man who brought a whole different tactical style, which ultimately didn’t work.

Michael Carrick has taken the reins at Old Trafford following Amorim’s sacking and is certainly in contention for the permanent role; however, there are other candidates that are being considered for the most pressurised job in world football.

The decision that Ineos and the Glazer family make next is vitally important. They’ve already got it wrong once with Amorim, and a repeat of that mistake would cost millions.

The Next Manchester United Manager – What are they looking for?

As it stands, after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Manchester United have seemingly tried everything. They’ve tried the protégé in David Moyes. They tried the respected, veteran, proven European with Louis van Gaal. They’ve gone for the born winner and Premier League experienced, Jose Mourinho. The former player who did well as an interim was given a chance with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They tried up-and-coming European managers who have won the league in their own countries with Ten Hag and Amorim.

Nothing has worked, and they are yet to get back to the dizzy heights of titles and a consistent Champions League spot.

So the question remains –  ‘What are United looking for?’

One thing they shouldn’t go with is a manager who plays a three-at-the-back system. It didn’t work under Amorim, it wasn’t attractive to watch, and United don’t have the players for it.

They’ll likely look for an experienced manager. A proven winner who won’t be pushed over by influential players. There are a lot of big characters in the Manchester United dressing room, and a man manager is needed to keep on top of them.

Premier League proven managers are a safer option than someone new to the league, however, it didn’t work for United under The Special One, so the evidence doesn’t always back up the claim.

We take a look at who the current favourites are to be the next Manchester United manager.

The Bookmakers’ Favourites

The following odds are from Sky Bet and are correct as of Monday 9^th February.

Michael Carrick – 4/6

Understandably, Michael Carrick is in the running; however, this could change if Manchester United suffer a drop in form. Under him, the Reds have scored 10 goals in four games, beaten the top two teams in the league and have played entertaining, attractive football.

Vitally, he’s cheap. There would be no compensation to pay another club to get their manager out, and this would be extremely attractive to the Manchester United board.

It’s a risk, however. He’s doing well at the moment, although he’s only having to manage one game a week. If Manchester United get Champions League football next season, it brings in a whole different aspect of management. He also isn’t experienced at a high level. He did well at Middlesbrough, although after a strong first season, he failed to make the playoffs in his next two seasons and was sacked.

Oliver Glasner – 5/1

Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glaser, announced he would be leaving the club at the end of this season, meaning he could be in contention to be Manchester United’s next manager. After Europa League success with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021-2022 and an FA Cup win for Palace last season, Glaser has a reasonable reputation.

The key risk with Glasner is that he hasn’t performed well at Palace this season. The Eagles have won just once in the league since December 7^th. It is worth noting that Palace have lost a number of their key players in recent years to bigger teams; however, with just a 42.42% win percentage as Palace boss, Glasner would have to improve dramatically to be accepted by United fans.

He also prefers a three at the back formation, something United fans are sceptical about after this season.

Gareth Southgate – 6/1

Sir Gareth Southgate has consistently been a consideration for the Manchester United job since he left his role as England head coach. The most successful national coach since Sir Alf Ramsey, Southgate led England to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals, ultimately coming up short on each occasion.

His pragmatic, risk-averse style doesn’t suit Manchester United’s heritage, meaning that he would need to change a lot to be successful at Old Trafford and keep the Stretford end on his side.

His 59.80% win rate with England is impressive, but international football is completely different to club management. In his only club role, he managed Middlesbrough to Premier League relegation. He’s a risk that United are unlikely to take.

The Outsiders

International managers, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann, are also on United’s shortlist, coming in at 10/1 and 14/1 respectively. Their appointment could be determined by their successes with England and Germany during this year’s World Cup.

Paris Saint Germain’s Luis Enrique is currently 20/1 and would arguably be the most exciting appointment. With a win ratio of 61.20% across 585 games, including 76.24% at Barcelona and 67.76% as PSG manager, he’s a born winner.

Whoever United go for, all the eyes of the footballing world will be scrutinising their every move from the moment they sign the contract.