The jury isn’t quite out yet, but the pressure is certainly mounting on Solskjær’s shoulders after a spate of less than satisfactory results. There’s no doubt that the manager will have marked this week down in his diary when the fixtures came out back in August. A midweek tie against his predecessor Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side and the Manchester derby on Saturday could make it a make or break week for Solskjær.
The Reds currently sit ninth in the league table after a choppy 2-2 draw Villa at the weekend. Their youth team struggled to finish the job in the Europa League and the less said about Sheffield United last week the better.
The bookies have had the Norwegian’s head on the chopping block for some time now. With the dissenting voices growing ever more emphatic from both inside and outside Old Trafford, and with a win ratio of just a paltry 27%, it’s hard to ignore that the writing could well and truly be on the wall for Solskjær.
The odds for Solksjær’s departure are starting to steady, and the more results don’t go his way, the more they’ll drop. Perhaps now could be the time to cash in if you feel that Ole’s exit is inevitable. Make sure to check out what betting offers are available to get the best deal possible. But before that, let’s see who the main contenders for the job are and what odds you’re likely to get.
Lingerin’ Larry White
Which World Cup winner with four French titles as a manager under his belt also helped guide the Reds to a league title as a player? Alex Ferguson was hot on the trail of his signature for some years but finally managed to bag this fella’s services in the twilight of his career.
You’re more likely to hear Laurent Blanc’s name cropping up in a pub quiz these days, but the former French full back is in the top five contenders to be the next United manager.
Up until a few years ago he was touted as one of the most sought after managers in the world. Following a difference of opinion with his employers, Blanc was released from his managerial posting at Paris Saint-Germain back in 2016 and has been in the shadows ever since. Not the worst move Ed Woodward could make.
Current odds: 20/1
Red Bull Ralf
German managers are seriously in vogue at the moment. Hailing from the same part of the world as Jürgen Klopp, you wouldn’t be amiss to have never heard of number four in line to the throne according to the bookies.
Unless you’re a fan of German football, you probably haven’t heard of Ralf Ragnick. He began life at VfB Stuttgart but failed to turn pro as a player. Since then he’s had a steady rise through to Bundesliga management in a career spanning Schalke, Hoffenheim and most recently Red Bull Leipzig.
Rangnick stepped down from his managerial role at the end of last year and is currently working for Red Bull in a development role. He’s a fan of a high pressing, intense and fast paced game that would have United fans nodding in approval.
Current odds: 14/1
The Scouse One
Brendan Rodgers has had a chequered managerial career from the head of Republic of Ireland Schools to Chelsea reserve team manager under Jose Mourinho. He’s since had stints at Watford, Celtic and is currently taking Leicester to the lofty heights of a top four finish in the Premier League.
But what most United fans will remember Rodgers for is his time at Liverpool. After a return to English football, the Northern Irishman’s stock has seemingly never been higher, but then again he is damaged goods isn’t he. They wouldn’t, would they?
Current odds: 7/1
The Italian Job
Massimiliano Allegri plotted his remarkable rise from Serie C to the Scudetto in just seven short years, achieving something most managers can only dream of. Since winning his first Italian championship with AC Milan back in 2011 he went on to win not one, not two, but an incredible five straight Serie A titles with Juventus.
Ultimately, after two second place finishes in the Champions League, the Juventus decision-makers decided to part ways with Allegri in search of continental glory. Since then Allegri has laid low but has been consistently rumoured to be interested in the United job.
Allegri certainly has the stature, the experience and the tactical nouse to succeed in the Premier League, but with many suitors courting his signature there’s still some way to go until you see him on the touchline at Old Trafford.
Current odds: 15/2
Time to Pinch Poch?
Around about this time last year as winter was setting in, the frostiest ground in the north west looked to be between Jose Mourinho and the United board. The rumours were seemingly never ending. Well, until Pochettino stayed in his seat at Spurs and Solskjær (much to everyone’s surprise including himself) took over the reigns at United.
Now Poch has been relieved of his duties by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, the rumours are rife once more, and quite rightly. The Argentine has proven his desire to foster youth (tick), shown his capabilities at managing on a shoestring (not a problem), and his willingness to tow the company line, albeit until recently (a definite must).
Pochettino has guided a threadbare Spurs squad within a whisker of European glory, consistently achieved top four finishes and has shown himself more than adept at tackling the Premier League head on.
Surely it’s a question of not who, but how long? The suitors are numerous, that’s for sure. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, even Arsenal. Then again they could just stick with Solskjær…
Current odds: 15/8
Since last week the Baby-Faced Assassin has jumped from sixth to just second place, only behind Everton’s Marco Silva in the odds as the next manager to be relieved of their duties in the Premier League. This follows a tumultuous week for Unai Emery and Quique Sánchez Florez who were both given the boot.
As it stands the only person who can turn things around is Solskjær himself.
Adam Grimshaw
@adamgeorgie
