Bookies slash odds for Man Utd manager candidate after Champions League heroics
Bookies have slashed the odds on Ruben Amorim becoming the next Manchester United manager after Sporting’s strong Champions League start.
The Portuguese side beat Austrian champions Sturm Graz 2-0 on Tuesday and are unbeaten across their first three matches in Europe, moving up to third in the league phase ahead of Wednesday night’s fixtures.
Amorim, considered as one of the best active managers in world football, is tipped for a switch to the Premier League and was previously linked to Chelsea and Liverpool before they hired Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot respectively.
The 39-year-old, who also rejected an approach from West Ham, has more recently been linked to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s possible successor.
United, though, who are still considering replacements for Erik ten Hag, would be interested in bringing Amorim to Old Trafford and his odds have now been cut.
‘Ruben Amorim’s odds have been cut from 14/1 to 5/1 for Man Utd job this morning,’ @oddschecker posted on X on Wednesday morning.
It should be noted that Amorim is not the only manager United are looking at and it was reported on Tuesday that they have held talks with ex-Barcelona boss Xavi.
Next permanent Man Utd manager betting odds
Sky Bet odds at 1pm on Wednesday, October 23 2024:
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 5/2
Ruben Amorim – 5/1
Thomas Frank – 5/1
Gareth Southgate – 7/1
Michael Carrick – 7/1
Graham Potter – 9/1
Other managers linked to the United job include Brentford head coach Thomas Frank and former England boss Gareth Southgate.
Former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is thought to be another option, who is currently working as United’s assistant manager.
Current United boss Ten Hag remains under significant pressure despite Saturday’s much-needed victory over Brentford.
United have endured a poor start to the 2024-25 campaign and sit just 12th in the Premier League with three wins from eight games but Ten Hag – who has guided the club to Carabao Cup and FA Cup titles – has called for time and patience.
‘We have not had a good start,’ Ten Hag said on Sunday. ‘We know that, we are not happy. We were happy [beating Brentford] but it is just one win. If you want to win trophies, you have to do it continually throughout the season.
‘But I know also, you do not win trophies in autumn, winter or in spring. You win them when it gets to April and May… We are on a journey. It is a long way to go. But I feel we are going in the right direction. To [the media], I say be patient, let’s wait how the season will go and how we progress.’