Next Manchester United Manager: Xavi Favourite To Replace Amorim

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Next Manchester United Manager: Xavi Favourite To Replace Amorim
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Following his side's 2-0 home defeat to Brighton in January, Ruben Amorim said: "We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United". 

The manager hoped his words would have sparked a turn in form, and while they did win three in a row, they reverted back to type with another home loss. 

Two of their three straight wins came in the Europa League, where they finished third in the league stage and are joint favourites to win on the best betting sites

An away win at Fulham came in between victories against Rangers and FCSB, but the club's struggles to win after a midweek match continue.

A 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace was their 14th game after a League Cup or European tie, and their record is abysmal.

Amorim's side have won just four times, drawn three and lost the other seven.

This weekend's FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Leicester is a welcome break from the league. United dropped to 13th in the table after Jean-Philippe Mateta's double at OId Trafford

The Foxes are managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who steered United to a four-game unbeaten run in between the sacking of Erik ten Hag and the appointment of Amorim. 

Former Barcelona boss Xavi is the market favourite to replace Amorim, if United decide to get rid of the Portuguese after just two and a half months. 

Football betting sites will continue to monitor the situation.

Xavi Holds Premier League Ambitions

United reportedly spoke to Xavi twice last year when former manager Ten Hag was in trouble. 

The 44-year-old has been out of working since leaving the Nou Camp in the summer and is known to be reluctant to coach another club in Spain. 

He has flirted with the idea of managing in the Premier League in the past, telling The Times: “I could see myself in England, definitely, it’s one of the things I’d like to experience in my career."

The 2010 World Cup winner has a close relationship with United chief executive Omar Berrada from their time at Barcelona, so it’s no surprise to see him installed as the 6/4 favourite in the next Manchester United manager odds.

Next Manchester United Manager Odds

Manager

Odds

Probability

 Xavi

6/4

40%

Massimiliano Allegri

9/4

30.8%

Gareth Southgate

3/1

25%

Andoni Iraola

7/2

22.2%

Ruud van Nistelrooy

5/1

16.7%

Maurizio Sarri

6/1

14.3%

Joachim Low

7/1

12.5%

Marco Silva

8/1

11.1%

Edin Terzic

10/1

9.1%

Thomas Frank

12/1

7.7%

Allegri Boasts Impressive CV

Massimiliano Allegri is now the 9/4 second favourite to replace Amorim should the Portuguese depart Old Trafford.

The Italian, who plans to take charge of Saudi club Al Ahli in June, has impressive coaching credentials and might well prefer the challenge of managing a Premier League club should he get the call.

His resume is highlighted by five consecutive Serie A titles during his time at Juventus, as well as guiding the team to two Champions League finals, just the kind of experience that United would be looking for in a new boss. 

Southgate Seeks Next Challenge

Gareth Southgate is another manager waiting for the right opportunity.

Southgate’s eight-year reign as England coach ended after the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain, but could he make a return to club management at one of the world’s biggest clubs?

The former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa boss led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and the last four of the 2018 World Cup.

Southgate stood down in the summer and said he wanted to take a year out of management, but he would surely be tempted if United came calling.

The former England boss has seen his odds come in to 3/1 on betting apps to end up at Old Trafford should United’s board decide to wield the axe.

Impressive Iraola A Future Star

Andoni Iraola is emerging as one of the Premier League’s next top managers and is now just 7/2 to be the new United gaffer. 

He has taken a club with one of the smallest budgets in the division and turned them into an exciting team that has proven their quality against the strongest opponents this season.

Indeed, like Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham, United have been humbled by a Cherries side that now have European football in their sights.

Whether United would be keen to take a gamble on an unproven manager at the top level is to be seen, but if they are looking for an exciting prospect for the future, the 42-year-old could be their man.

Ruud Return Looks Unlikely

Following United's decision to sack Ten Hag, Van Nistelrooy (5/1) answered his former club's call to be their interim manager. 

Three wins and a draw in his four games in charge led to Leicester offering the Dutchman the chance to be their next manager after sacking Steve Cooper on December 15. 

However, since starting with a 3-1 home win against West Ham, the Foxes have taken just four points from a possible 30 to sit 18th in the table.

Other names in the frame to replace Amorim include ex-Lazio man Maurizio Sarri (6/1), former Germany coach Joachim Low (7/1), Fulham boss Marco Silva (8/1), free agent Edin Terzic (10/1) and Brentford manager Thomas Frank (12/1).

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.

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