The ongoing drama at Old Trafford has taken yet another dramatic twist, with bookmakers fuelling fresh debate by naming Erik ten Hag as one of the frontrunners to succeed Rúben Amorim should the Portuguese coach lose his job.
What makes this development particularly surprising is the fact that Ten Hag himself was dismissed by Manchester United earlier this year. Despite that, his name has suddenly resurfaced among the leading candidates being tipped to take charge of the club once again.
The latest betting odds have left many supporters in disbelief. David Moyes, once the first man tasked with following Sir Alex Ferguson, finds himself far down the bookmakers’ rankings at 50/1.
Slightly higher up, Ole Gunnar Solskjær — a former caretaker turned full-time manager — sits at 14/1. However, it is the names at the top that have grabbed the headlines. Ten Hag is currently listed as third favourite with odds of 8/1, trailing only England manager Gareth Southgate, who comes in at 6/1.
For United fans, the notion of Ten Hag returning to the dugout has sparked fierce division. On one side, there are those who believe his previous tenure showed he was out of his depth, struggling to establish a clear identity or deliver results against the biggest rivals.
Critics point to his tactical shortcomings and failure to handle pressure at Old Trafford as evidence that bringing him back would be a backwards step. On the other hand, some argue Ten Hag was not given the full support he deserved, particularly in the transfer market, and insist he could still succeed if properly backed.
They highlight his impressive work at Ajax, where he built a reputation for tactical organisation and youth development, as reasons he remains a credible option.
Gareth Southgate’s candidacy, however, has gathered significant momentum. His calm leadership style and consistent results with the England national team make him a serious contender in the eyes of many.
While some fans doubt his ability to adapt to the week-in, week-out demands of club football, others see him as a stabilising figure who could bring order to the chaos United have endured in recent years.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of Moyes and Solskjær in the odds serves as a reminder of United’s turbulent managerial history since Ferguson’s retirement. It reflects a recurring cycle where old names resurface whenever pressure mounts.
For Amorim, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. With results faltering and high-profile names circling around his job, the pressure is now immense.
Every match could determine his future, as the odds suggest the Old Trafford managerial merry-go-round is once again gathering pace — and one candidate already looks to be edging closer to the seat.
