With increasing doubts about David Moyes’ future as Manchester United boss, who is in the frame to replace him in the Old Trafford hotseat?
Main men: Jurgen Klopp, Louis van Gaal, Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson are among the favourites to replace David Moyes
David Moyes is set to be sacked by Manchester United after less than 12 months in the job.
The former Everton chief replaced Sir Alex Ferguson last summer – after he was personally selected by the Scot to take over in the Old Trafford hotseat.
But with the club out of every knock-out competition and languishing in seventh in the Premier League, the board have now lost patience with Moyes.
United’s abject 2-0 defeat at Everton proved the final straw, with the Old Trafford hierarchy now convinced Moyes simply does not have what it takes to lead a club of their stature and ambition.
But once the dust has settled, who will take the reigns at United? Here’s what the bookies reckon, but what do you think?
1. Louis van Gaal 7-2 (Sky Bet)
The 62-year-old Netherlands manager is busy preparing for the upcoming World Cup, where his side will once again be one of the favourites.
However, he has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League and has already been heavily linked with Tottenham – and United.
Van Gaal has a superb track record – with seven league titles in four countries, the Champions League and UEFA Cup. And he recently claimed that Robin van Persie is happier playing for his Holland side than for United.
His last job in club management was in 2011 though, and he was sacked by Bayern Munich after only finishing third in the league.
How does Louis van Gaal compare with the David Moyes? Click here to find out.
2. Carlos Queiroz 11-2 (PaddyPower)
Queiroz knows United inside out, having enjoyed two hugely successful stints as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson from 2002-3 and 2004-8.
He was regarded as an innovative and meticulous coach and was credited with helping turn Cristiano Ronaldo from callow youth to one of the world’s best players.
Yet his one stint as manager of a major club side – when he took charge of Real Madrid in 2003-4 – was pretty disastrous.
Despite signing a two-year contract, the Portuguese lasted only 10 months after Real lost their final five matches of the season and finished fifth in the table.
3. Sir Alex Ferguson 6-1 (Coral)
What more can we say about Ferguson, the most successful manager in the history of English football?
The contrast between this season under David Moyes and the previous 20 under the legendary Scot has been stark.
Gone is the bravado, confidence and never-say-die attitude, replaced by doubt and uncertainty.
Almost every single United fan would welcome the Scot back with open arms. But surely he wouldn’t turn back on his decision to retire and return to Old Trafford, would he…?
4. Jurgen Klopp 6-1 (Paddy Power)
When Mirror Sport ran a recent poll asking United fans who they wanted as their next boss, Klopp came out on top by a distance.
He is charismatic, energetic, plays excellent football, develops youth – and wins trophies.
In five seasons at Borussia Dortmund, he has claimed two Bundesliga titles, the German Cup and reached the final of last season’s Champions League.
Yet with the club about to lose another star player to domestic rivals Bayern Munich this summer – Robert Lewandowski – might the German decide he has taken the club as far as he can?
Klopp enjoys a project and restoring of one of the world’s biggest football clubs to their former glories could tempt him.
Other superpowers like Barcelona and Real Madrid might also be after his services though.
Click here to read why Klopp is the right man to replace Moyes.
5. Ryan Giggs 12-1 (Bet Victor)
The Welshman’s name is inextricably linked with United’s glories under Sir Alex Ferguson.
During a 24-year playing career he has won 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues, making him the most decorated player in the history of English football.
This season he has combined (occasional) appearances as a player with a place on the United coaching staff.
So he’d be a novice and it would be a gamble to appoint him as manager, but he’d be a popular choice with a wide section of the support – perhaps in tandem with a more experienced director of football?
6. Diego Simeone 12-1 (Coral)
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The Argentine is widely regarded as the best young manager in European football, having led Atletico Madrid to the top of La Liga and the Champions League semi-finals.
He’s abrasive and bullish – as he was as a player – and has crafted a committed and technically accomplished team.
The 43-year-old – who famously got David Beckham sent off at the 1998 World Cup – might decide now is the right time to take the plunge and move to one of the world’s biggest clubs.
7. Antonio Conte 16-1 (PaddyPower)
A fine midfielder in his playing days, who has restored Juventus to their former greatness once more.
His managerial career began in the lower leagues, where he got both Bari and Siena promoted, before earning a chance at his former club, the ‘Old Lady’ of Italian football.
Juve are now on course to win their third straight league title under the 44-year-old’s clever leadership.
Conte is tactically astute and innovative, although his lack of impact in the Champions League might concern the Old Trafford hierarchy.
8. Pep Guardiola 16-1 (PaddyPower)
Almost invented a new approach to the game, with his fast-pressing, possession-based style at Barcelona.
It yielded impressive results, with three consecutive La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups and two Champions Leagues.
He left Barca for a sabbatical in 2012, but has carried on where he left off at Bayern Munich, securing the Bunesliga with several games to spare and reaching the Champions League semis.
His track record and attractive style of play would make him a huge hit at United. Indeed he was one of the favourites to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson – not least because he is close to the legendary manager.
But would he leave Bayern?
9. Fabio Capello 20-1 (PaddyPower)
Indisputably one of the top managers of the last 30 years, with a proven track record of success at the highest level.
He has won seven league titles with three different clubs in two countries, as well as managing England and Russia.
Yet, at 67, he would not be a long-term appointment and was hardly a huge success with England.
Furthermore, he has just signed a four-year contract extension to manager Russia until the end of the 2018 World Cup. Unlikely.
10. Frank de Boer 25-1 (BetVictor)
De Boer was a hugely successful player who has slipped seamlessly into management with Ajax.
The Dutch giants are on the verge of their fourth consecutive Eredivisie title under De Boer, although they were surprisingly battered 5-1 by Zwolle in the final of the domestic cup last weekend.
De Boer has achieved his success on a relatively modest budget (by European standards), while playing attractive football, with a host of academy products.
Unsurprisingly, he has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy a known admirer.