Latest Manchester United Next Manager Betting Odds & Predictions

Manchester United are once again under pressure to find a new permanent manager. With Ruben Amorim’s future uncertain after mixed results, betting sites have released updated odds on who could take charge at Old Trafford.

Last updated: 4 September 2025 by Leon Marshall

With football betting sites constantly updating their Manchester United manager betting odds, we take a look at the likely candidates to replace Amorim if he is sacked or walks.

We break down the leading contenders , including Oliver Glasner, Michael Carrick, Gareth Southgate, Xavi Hernandez, Kieran McKenna, Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane, with expert analysis of their chances and suitability for the role.

Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches. He lifted Sporting CP from mid-table to their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years and did so with a squad replenished by academy graduates and underrated signings.

Sporting’s resurgence under Amorim – which also included developing players such as Viktor Gyökeres and Pedro Gonçalves – convinced Manchester United to pay a hefty release clause for his services.

Amorim is known for his players-first philosophy; he prefers a 3-4-3 base and many see the big issue is that he has tried to shoehorn players into this formation, rather than play a formation that suits the players he has at his disposal. He emphasises communication and empathy as much as pressing and positioning.

In the spring he even joked that he hoped to stay at the club “for twenty years,” adding the candid caveat that results would decide his future.

Yet results have rarely afforded him comfort. A humiliating Carabao Cup exit at League Two Grimsby increased the pressure, and he described the subsequent league match with Burnley as a “must win.”

That encounter at Old Trafford was as dramatic as it was crucial. United twice surrendered leads to Vincent Kompany’s men, only for Bryan Mbeumo to score within 15 seconds of Burnley’s first equaliser and Bruno Fernandes to convert a stoppage-time penalty after a lengthy VAR review to secure a nerve-shredding 3–2 victory.

The win provided breathing space but did little to quell speculation about Amorim’s long-term future. His side remain off the pace in the league and the Europa Conference League final defeat last season still stings.

Oliver Glasner (4/1) – Tactical Versatility with Proven Cup Pedigree

Oliver Glasner has built his reputation by overachieving with limited resources. At Eintracht Frankfurt, he masterminded an unbeaten 13-game run in the 2021–22 Europa League, eliminating Barcelona and West Ham before beating Rangers on penalties to secure the club’s first European trophy since 1980. He followed up with another cup final the next season, cementing his status as a knockout specialist.

In February 2024, Crystal Palace brought him to the Premier League. Within 15 months, Glasner transformed a relegation-threatened side into FA Cup winners — their first major trophy in history — after a 1–0 victory over Manchester City in the 2025 final. The achievement underlined his ability to instil belief and deliver results against elite opposition.

Tactical Style:

• Base shape: Back three; adapts between 3-4-2-1 and 4-2-3-1.
• Attacking: Vertical passing and crosses (avg <51% possession).
• Pressing: Wing-backs & wide CBs key to pressing traps.

Suitability for Man Utd: Glasner’s tactical flexibility, pressing intensity, and cup-winning pedigree make him an intriguing candidate. However, he has never managed a global superclub with the financial muscle and fan expectations of Manchester United. Supporters may also question whether his pragmatic style aligns with the club’s tradition of expansive, front-foot football.

Michael Carrick (5/1) – A United Legend

Michael Carrick needs no introduction at Old Trafford. As a player he won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the FA Cup, the 2007–08 Champions League and the 2016–17 Europa League. He also served briefly as caretaker manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s departure before taking charge at Middlesbrough in October 2022.

At Boro, he lifted the team from near relegation trouble to a Championship play-off semi-final and later reached the EFL Cup semi-finals. Despite early success, he was dismissed in June 2025 after finishing tenth in the Championship.

Tactical Style:

• Prefers a 4-2-3-1 setup built on control and composure.
• Focuses on player development and maintaining calm under pressure.

Suitability for Man Utd: Carrick embodies Manchester United’s values and commands respect as a former club legend. However, his managerial CV is still light on major achievements, making him a sentimental but risky choice.

Gareth Southgate (5/1) – International Experience

Gareth Southgate revived England’s fortunes after the Euro 2016 debacle, guiding the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-final, Euro 2020 final, and Euro 2024 final. His tenure delivered stability, tactical clarity, and a positive dressing-room culture, even though it ended with a resignation after defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Tactical Style:

• Uses a back three that shifts to a back five when defending.
• Encourages attacking full-backs and flexible midfield units.
• Focus on man-management and squad cohesion rather than rigid systems.

Suitability for Man Utd: Southgate’s calm leadership and international pedigree are strong assets. However, his lack of recent club experience and perceived conservatism could be stumbling blocks in the high-pressure Old Trafford environment.

Xavi Hernandez (8/1) – A Modern Approach

Xavi defined Barcelona’s tiki-taka era as a player and has carried that philosophy into management. At Al Sadd he won multiple domestic trophies, before returning to Barcelona in 2021 where he delivered the 2022–23 La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.

Tactical Style:

• Emphasises positional play and high pressing.
• Prefers a 4-3-3 but adapts into hybrid attacking/defensive structures.
• Promotes academy talents and integrates young players seamlessly.

Suitability for Man Utd: Xavi’s possession-heavy approach and youth focus align with United’s traditions. The main concern is his limited experience outside Spain and whether his style can adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.

Kieran McKenna (10/1) – A Bright Young Talent

Kieran McKenna began at Manchester United’s academy before taking his first managerial job at Ipswich Town in 2021. He masterminded back-to-back promotions, taking Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons, with his sides playing high-energy, attacking football.

Tactical Style:

• Rotates between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1.
• High-intensity pressing combined with quick, vertical attacking play.
• Focus on building cohesion and fearless attacking identity.

Suitability for Man Utd: McKenna is a romantic candidate with deep ties to the club and a proven track record of developing teams. However, he lacks top-level experience and managing global stars would be a significant leap.

Other Names in the Frame

While the top five contenders dominate the discussion, several other names remain in contention, albeit with longer odds.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

Manchester United’s search for stability has rarely felt more pivotal. The shortlist ranges from pragmatic cup winners such as Glasner and tactical prodigies like Nagelsmann to club icons like Carrick and McKenna.

Gareth Southgate brings international pedigree, while Xavi and Pochettino offer modern, possession-based philosophies. Even the managerial aristocrat Zidane is lurking in the wings. Each candidate has clear strengths and obvious risks; there is no perfect option. The board must decide whether to prioritise immediate success, long-term development, cultural fit or some combination of all three.

For now, Ruben Amorim remains in charge. The narrow victory over Burnley kept his reign alive, but United’s hierarchy are watching closely. As the season progresses, expect the speculation to intensify.

Whoever eventually takes the Old Trafford hot seat will inherit one of the biggest challenges in world football: restoring Manchester United to the summit of English and European football. Their choice will shape the club’s identity for years to come.