Ten Hag on the brink: What are the odds on the next Man Utd manager?

FT Desk

6 Apr 2022 19:32 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Ajax, 2021-22 — © ProShots

Erik ten Hag is now the odds-on favourite to become Man Utd’s next permanent manager, according to Paddy Power.

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Manchester United have really ramped up their recruitment process for their next manager in recent weeks, with the club reportedly beginning to conduct interviews with potential candidates.

There are two candidates who stand out from the crowd currently; Ajax manager Erik ten Hag and PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino.

But Ten Hag has moved comfortably into the lead, with his odds of becoming Man Utd’s next manager now standing at 3/10.

© ProShots - Erik ten Hag is the favourite for Man Utd job

And ESPN reported on Wednesday that talks are now at an advanced stage for the Ajax boss to join in the summer.

Pochettino’s odds have drifted in recent weeks after a dismal run of form at PSG, which coincided with a shocking capitulation at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Argentine is now at 3/1.

Both Ten Hag and Pochettino will be available and would like the job at Old Trafford, which is reflected in their odds.

Third favourite right now is Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel at 14/1. The German boss has emerged as a contender this year due to the chaotic ownership situation at Stamford Bridge.

Who are the favourites and contenders to be next Man Utd manager?

Erik ten Hag: 3/10

Mauricio Pochettino: 3/1

Thomas Tuchel: 14/1

Luis Enrique: 14/1

Antonio Conte: 20/1

Julen Lopetegui: 20/1

Roberto Mancini: 20/1

Zinedine Zidane: 33/1

Diego Simeone: 33/1

Ralf Rangnick: 33/1

The futures of a number of players and staff are precarious after Roman Abramovich was forced to relinquish control of the club due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Antonio Conte, who was overlooked for the Man Utd job earlier this season when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, is fifth favourite at 20/1, just behind Spain boss Luis Enrique at 14/1.

Despite having since been appointed as Tottenham boss, Conte only has a contract until 2023 there and has not been happy with the transfer work of the club so far. He is infamous for walking out of jobs when he is not satisfied so can’t be ruled out.

© ProShots - Antonio Conte was overlooked earlier this season for Man Utd job

The Spaniard will likely want to lead his country into the World Cup in November but could be tempted by a return to club football.

Another Spaniard, Julen Lopetegui, is at 20/1 also. Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini is at 25/1.

Mancini has just confirmed he will stay with Italy despite their failure to qualify for the World Cup and he also has a past at Manchester City, making his appointment difficult.

Longer odds include Zinedine Zidane and Diego Simeone at 33/1.

Finally, you can also get 33/1 on current interim boss Ralf Rangnick staying on permanently as manager. However, that seems highly unlikely given the current struggles as the team looks like missing out on Champions League football.