Ruben Amorim has been sacked as Manchester United manager and the Red Devils are now on the hunt for a new boss with Enzo Maresca the early favourite at 2/1 odds
Tom James Phillips
16:48, 05 Jan 2026Updated 16:57, 05 Jan 2026
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Enzo Maresca
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Enzo Maresca has been tipped to become the next Manchester United manager(Image: Getty Images)
The race for the next Manchester United manager remains unpredictable as a new frontrunner has emerged just hours after Ruben Amorim was dismissed from his position. The surprising sacking has left the club's project in turmoil and sparked the hunt for yet another manager to lead the team.
Initially, bookmakers had Darren Fletcher as the favourite following the dismissal, but a new candidate has now taken pole position - someone with connections to rivals Manchester City, reports the Mirror.
Enzo Maresca is now the early favourite at 2/1 odds, just days after his departure from Chelsea, where his relationship with the board is believed to have deteriorated, leading to the Italian's unexpected exit - mirroring the circumstances of Amorim's sacking. The former Leicester City is thought of fondly by Man City boss Pep Guardiola with Maresca part of his coaching setup at one point.
Maresca appeared to be performing well, guiding the club back to Champions League qualification and securing victory in the newly-formatted FIFA Club World Cup during the summer.
Maresca is now understood to be the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford, which would mean implementing a completely new tactical system after 14 months of Amorim attempting to introduce the 3-4-3 formation that brought him success at Sporting Lisbon.
William Hill spokesman Lee Phelps commented: "Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United has come to an end following his controversial comments after his side's draw at Leeds, and now the rumour mill begins to turn for who will replace him."
"Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is our early favourite at 2/1, narrowly ahead of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner at 11/4.
"Those two are the clear leading contenders, with Laurent Blanc next in line at 8/1.
"Interesting names at double-figure prices include Gareth Southgate (10/1), Xavi Hernandez (10/1), Zinedine Zidane (25/1) and Jurgen Klopp (50/1)."
Next Man United Manager Odds
Enzo Maresca - 2/1
Oliver Glasner - 11/4
Laurent Blanc - 8/1
BAR - 10/1
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