Next Manchester United Manager Odds – Betting On Who Will Replace Ten Hag

Erik Ten Hag has been the Manchester United manager since April 2022.

In that time the ex-Ajax coach has tried to steady the Red Devils’ ship but an 8th place finish at the end of the 2023/24 season, tested the patience of even his most ardent fans.

Calls for his sacking rang loud around Old Trafford but then he guided United to a stellar FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester City and it seemed like all was forgiven.

New club boss (sort of) Sir Jim Ratcliffe, then decided that more time was needed and has since extended Ten Hag’s contract to 2026.

But football is a fickle game and if United didn’t start the season off like they mean to win it then it could be early doors for Ten Hag.

And, unfortunately for him, United’s downward spiral has finally tested the patience of even the most ardent of fans and as of today, October 28th, 2024, he has been sacked by the club.

That also means that it’s no surprise that bookmakers are offering odds on who could end up in the Old Trafford hot seat next.

How Long Did Erik Ten Hag Last?

The Dutchman, Ten Hag, assumed the position of Manchester United manager after leading Ajax for four and a half years.

He was facing an exit at the end of last season but was then contracted until 2026 which should have given him two more years to whip Manchester United into shape.

Sources stated that he was on a salary of £9 million per annum but that it could have dropped to £6.75m as the club didn’t qualify for the Champions League.

That meant all of the focus was aimed squarely at the 2024/25 Premier League and a top-four finish.

Currently in 14th place, and seriously lucky to just be middling it, that top four finish is as far from reality as me suddenly being signed ot play for them.

In fact, they’ll be avoiding relegation very soon if they don’t get their act together!

One small light at the end of the tunnel is that the FA Cup win earned them a place in next season’s Europa League which had looked a little in doubt as Ineos technically own two clubs.

However, UEFA has confirmed that the Manchester side will play in the tournament, giving the club another boost as the new season looms.

But none of that was enough to keep Ten Hag in his job and after another defeat, this time 1-2 to West Ham, he was given his marching orders.

Likely Next Man Utd Manager?

Now that Ten Hag has been shown the door, the club has a number of potential options to replace him.

Let’s take a look at the front runners for the next Manchester United manager.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

The bookmakers’ favourite at the moment is Ruud Van Nistelrooy. He is a Manchester United legend, having scored 150 goals in 219 games for the club between 2001 and 2006.

After retiring as a player, van Nistelrooy has steadily built his coaching career, starting out with the youth teams at PSV Eindhoven, including the Under-17s and Under-19s.

He gained international experience as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team, working under Guus Hiddink at the 2014 World Cup and Ronald Koeman at Euro 2020.

He then had had a successful stint as PSV Eindhoven’s manager in the 2022-2023 season, winning the Johan Cruyff Shield and the KNVB Cup.

His team also finished second in the Eredivisie, scoring a league-high 89 goals.

Van Nistelrooy’s tactical philosophy aligns with Manchester United’s traditional style in that he prefers attacking football, citing Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence: “Look forward, play forward, get crosses in, shoot on target”.

He is already part of the Manchester United coaching staff, having ed as an assistant to Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2024 and this gives him insider knowledge of the current squad and club dynamics.

Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the interim head coach. This gives him an opportunity to prove himself in the role and potentially secure the position permanently.

He’s the bookies favourite but there are other options.

Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is being considered as a potential next manager for Manchester United for several reasons.

He has gained valuable coaching experience at Barcelona, where he led the team to their first La Liga title in four years in the 2022-23 season and won the Spanish Super Cup.

He managed Barcelona for 139 games across all competitions, achieving a 61.9% win rate.

Plus, as a legendary Barcelona player with 767 appearances and 25 trophies, Xavi has an exceptional understanding of top-level football. His playing style and philosophy align with Manchester United’s traditional attacking approach.

He is known for emphasising possession-based football, positional play, and attacking style, which could appeal to United’s desire to return to a more dynamic and attractive brand of football.

After leaving Barcelona in May 2024, Xavi is currently on a sabbatical year and not tied to any club, making him potentially available for the United job.

Gareth Southgate

The former England manager is at a bit of loose end having left his current with the national squad but his style of play is something of a bone of contention for fans.

The lack of anything resembling exciting football may be a route through various international competitions but it’s bloody boring to watch.

And, it’s not like United haven’t had their fair share of sleep inducing managers before so at least it would be a blast from the past.

Also In The Mix…

Of course there aren’t just three options for the potential next manager at United.

Also in the mix is Julian Nagelsmann, the current manager, Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim who is currently with Sporting and Thomas Frank, who is currently with Brentford.

So who will replace Erik Ten Hag as manager of Manchester United?

It’s anyone’s guess at this point, although Ruud Van Nistelrooy currently leads the betting odds.

Betting & Odds

If you’re looking to take a punt on who will be the next Manchester United manager, you’ll find plenty of betting options available.

Betfred and Ladbrokes offer a range of markets on the potential appointment. Ruud Van Nistelrooy remains the favourite to take over at Old Trafford, with odds as low as 5/6.

Hernandez is around 3/1 with Gareth Southgate at 5/1.

If you want to back an outsider then Jose Mourinho is 66/1 to return to Old Trafford with Roy Keane 200/1. Who knows…stranger things have happened!

The club will have plenty of options, and time will tell who that person is- but in the meantime, let the speculation begin!

Who are the Longest-serving Managers in Manchester United History

The longest-serving manager in Manchester United’s history is Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed the club for 26 years, from 1986 to 2013.

During his tenure, he won 13 Premier League championships, five Football Association (FA) Cup victories (1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, and 2004), and two Champions League titles (1999 and 2008).

The second-longest serving manager is Sir Matt Busby. During his tenure as Manchester United’s manager for over 25 years, Sir Matt Busby steered the club towards unparalleled domestic success and remarkable achievements in European football.

His approach involved a blend of nurturing young talent, strategic player acquisitions, and effective leadership, ultimately elevating Manchester United to become one of the most successful clubs in the country.

Both Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby are considered two of the most influential figures in Manchester United’s history, having helped shape the club into an iconic footballing institution.

Other notable long-serving managers in Manchester United’s history include Ernest Mangnall (1903-1912).

Mangnall won two first-division titles and one F.A. Cup during his time at United.

Following his stint at Manchester United, Ernest Mangnall transitioned directly to Manchester City.

His final match as United’s manager was the Manchester derby, where it was already known that he would be ing City as their manager.

The Blues emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline at Old Trafford, and the press highlighted Mangnall’s elation at the outcome.

It should be noted he won no trophies or titles during his time with Man City!

Manchester United Interim/Caretaker Managers

In addition to the longest-serving managers in Manchester United’s history, there have been several interim/temporary appointments throughout the years.

For example, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as the club’s interim manager following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in December 2018 and eventually took up the job on a permanent basis.

Here’s a list of some of the other notable interim/temporary appointments in Manchester United’s history:

Clarence George “Lal” Hilditch (33 Games)

Clarence George “Lal” Hilditch, an English footballer, holds the distinction of being one of two individuals to have simultaneously served as a player and manager at Manchester United, with the other being Ryan Giggs.

In October 1926, following the suspension of John Chapman for undisclosed reasons, Hilditch was appointed as the manager for the remainder of the season while also continuing to fulfill his on-field responsibilities as a player.

T. J. Wallworth (6 Games)

T.J. Wallworth, hailing from Bolton, Lancashire, served as the acting secretary for Manchester United from 9 September 1912 to 20 October 1912. It is worth noting that during this period, the term “manager” was not used at Manchester United.

Wallworth’s appointment as secretary followed Ernest Mangnall’s resignation in August 1912, and he continued in the role until John Bentley’s appointment in October 1912.

Jimmy Murphy (22 Games)

Following the tragic Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958, Jimmy Murphy assumed the role of temporary manager at Manchester United while Matt Busby was recovering from his injuries.

Despite the immense challenges that the team faced, including the loss of several key players, Murphy managed to assemble a substitute team and lead United to the 1958 FA Cup Final.

Murphy’s absence from the fatal flight was due to his involvement in managing Wales during a World Cup qualifying game.

Ryan Giggs (4 Games)

Ryan Giggs is one of the few individuals to have simultaneously served as a player and manager at Manchester United.

Following David Moyes’ dismissal in April 2014, Giggs was caretaker manager for four games.

Michael Carrick (3 Games)

Following Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s departure from his managerial role, Carrick was appointed as caretaker manager.

During the 3-game reign of Carrick, his record included 2 victories and 1 draw.

Ralf Rangnick (29 Games)

Ralf Rangnick was given the task of managing United until Ten Hag’s appointment.

He had 29 games in charge and recorded a 37.93% win ratio during his time in charge.

This made him one of the worst-performing managers in United’s history.

Who was the Worst Manchester United Manager?

As previously mentioned, Ralf Rangnick is one of the worst-performing managers in Manchester United’s history, but who was the worst of all time?

Let’s take a look at the candidates.

Jimmy Murphy has the lowest win ratio of any Manchester United manager at just over 22%.

However, in Jimmy’s defense, his appointment was in the wake of a disastrous tragedy, and, in spite of this, he managed to lead United to the 1958 FA Cup Final.

Jack Robson (Manager 1914-1921) has the second-worst win ratio at just over 29%.

He was in charge of United during the Great War, meaning that he oversaw Manchester United during a period of upheaval and uncertainty.

Finally, Wilf McGuinness (Manager 1969-1970) is the fifth worst, with a win ratio of just 36%.

It is worth noting that his appointment followed Matt Busby’s retirement and that he was dealing with a United squad in transition.

So there you have it, a brief overview of the worst-performing managers in Manchester United’s history.

Best Record at United

Do you want to know who had the best statistical win record?

The best record as a manager at Manchester United is held by Sir Alex Ferguson.

He managed the club from 1986 to 2013 and achieved an impressive win rate of 65.2% in the Premier League.

In of win percentage, the next notable managers are José Mourinho and Erik ten Hag.

Mourinho, who managed from 2016 to 2018, had a win rate of 58.3%, winning the Europa League and the League Cup during his tenure.

Erik ten Hag, has a win rate of 59.62% and has already secured an FA Cup victory​. He oversaw 104 games at Man Utd, winning 62, drawing 13 and losing 29.