MX23RW : Friday, November 8 15:39:53| >> :60:2684:2684:

Next Manchester United manager: Five contenders

Next Man United manager: Five contenders
© PA Photos
Sports Mole brings you five of the early contenders to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United.

It's the biggest question in world football right now: Who is going to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United?

The club confirmed this morning that after 27 years at the helm, the 71-year-old will step down from his position at the end of the current campaign.

So, who is going to follow a man that has won 49 trophies during his time at Old Trafford? The rumour mill is already in full swing, but who are the early contenders? Sports Mole reveals all below.


Everton boss David Moyes on the touchline at Stoke on December 15, 2012© PA Photos
David Moyes

For a number of years now, the name of Moyes has always, albeit sometimes in the shadows, been linked with replacing his fellow Scot. However, over the past 48 hours, he has been made the favourite with the bookmakers to take over at Old Trafford. Some reports have even claimed that he would be appointed Ferguson's assistant for a season or two. We now know that isn't the case, but he is still a frontrunner. What may count against him is his lack of European pedigree.

Odds: 11/10


Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho prior to kick-off against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on April 30, 2013© AP Photos
Jose Mourinho

Taking over from Ferguson is a job that many believe only someone with an ego like 'The Special One' could handle. The Portuguese coach has proved himself time and again at the top level in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal. He also knows about the pressure of dealing with big-name players, unlike Moyes. However, if rumours are to be believed, he is not a popular choice among some members of the Man United board. Speculation has also claimed that a deal for him to return to Chelsea is done.

Odds: 6/4


Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp prior to kick-off against Real Madrid in the Champions League on April 30, 2013© AP Photos
Jurgen Klopp

While 45-year-old Klopp has only risen to prominence this season in the eyes of the football world, he has been going about his job with Borussia Dortmund since 2008 quietly and astutely. Two Bundesliga titles, a German Cup and an appearance in this year's Champions League final later and Klopp has now found his name linked with the vacancy. It is also believed that he has clause in his contract that allows him to talk to clubs overseas.

Odds: 12/1


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Man Utd in 2008© PA Photos
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

It would be the emotional appointment. The Norwegian is a legend among the United supporters, having scored numerous important goals during his 11-year stint as a player with the club. He's also done his coaching badges under Ferguson's guidance and had a spell in charge of the reserves. He has since guided Molde to two league titles in his homeland, but a move to his former club would be a major step up.

Odds: 20/1


Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini© PA Photos
Manuel Pellegrini

The Chilean has recently been linked with another Premier League club - Chelsea. He has many admirers, particularly because of his work at financially-stricken Malaga. What may work against the 59-year-old with this job though is the lack of managing a big European club on his CV. But for a one-year spell with Real Madrid, he has limited experience at managing at the very top level.

Odds: 25/1


ID:83352: cacheID:83352:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6779:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson leaves the pitch after his sides win over Fulham on January 26, 2013
Read Next:
Man Utd confirm Ferguson retirement
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!