The Next Manchester United manager odds reveal a potential second coming of a former Red Devils sharpshooter.
Here, we will look at the potential pros of United hiring the man in question.
Contents
Next Manchester United manager odds – the frontrunners
Excitingly for the Red Devils’ faithful, odds against Ruud van Nistelrooy taking over from Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss have shortened in recent days, following the Dutchman’s return to Old Trafford in the summer as assistant coach to the under-fire incumbent.
The 48-year-old made over 200 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 150 goals in his prime during the early to mid-2000s, and such an affiliation with the club places the former Dutch forward high in the next Manchester United manager odds list*:
- Gareth Southgate – 4/1
- Ruud van Nistelrooy – 5/1
- Thomas Tuchel – 9/1
- Kieran McKenna – 12/1
- Roberto de Zerbi – 20/1
*Market-best prices available as of 12 September 2024
After leading the Three Lions to back-to-back Euro finals, the former England manager Gareth Southgate is van Nistelrooy’s biggest rival. An additional run to the 2018 semi-finals, where he experienced one of just 18 defeats in 102 games at the England helm, further bolsters his CV.
However, Southgate’s only previous Premier League managerial stint came at Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009. This eventually ended with Boro’s relegation to the Championship and Southgate’s dismissal, leaving question marks over his ability to manage at Premier League level.
Why Ruud van Nistelrooy’s next Manchester United manager odds have shortened
United’s inconsistencies under Ten Hag have continued into the early stages of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. A narrow 1-0 opening night win over Fulham was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Brighton and 3-0 home loss to fierce rivals Liverpool.
It is a far cry from the success-drenched days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure, but with van Nistelrooy having first-hand experience of how United operated in those glory days, it is no surprise that his next Manchester United manager odds have shortened.
In addition, van Nistelrooy was assistant to Guus Hiddink with the Netherlands national team before coaching in PSV Eindhoven’s youth system.
Here, the 48-year-old climbed the ranks from under-18 to under-21 level and eventually took charge of the first team in July 2022. The former Dutch international was an instant success. In just one season in charge. Van Nistelrooy guided his side to Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup triumphs.
Will Erik Ten Hag be sacked soon?
Ten Hag seemingly saved his job following an FA Cup final win over Man City in May. But a club-worst finish of eighth in the Premier League last term means that he will be on borrowed time for the foreseeable future.
Currently, van Nistelrooy’s chances of becoming United manager hinge on Ten Hag’s next few games. A slow start to the 2024/25 season has done little to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe that the Dutchman is the right man for the job.
It is also worth noting that United have not been afraid to appoint former players as managers since Sir Alex’s departure in 2013. Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick had interim spells, while Ole Gunnar Solskjær led the Red Devils in 150 matches – albeit to poor effect.
That itself may detract from the inevitable enthusiasm United fans might feel if van Nistelrooy is appointed. For now though, the dream of a former United icon taking the Premier League’s most successful club back to its former heights lives on, as a long-running saga continues with United travelling to Southampton for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off – a tiring trip that could prove to be Ten Hag’s last hurrah.
In December 2020 we sadly 
