The situation at Old Trafford has taken yet another dramatic twist, with bookmakers unexpectedly placing Erik ten Hag among the frontrunners to succeed Rúben Amorim should the Portuguese coach lose his job. What makes this development so remarkable is the fact that Ten Hag was dismissed from the very same role earlier this year, and yet, despite his turbulent end at Manchester United, his name has resurfaced in conversations about the managerial future of the club.
The latest betting odds have shocked many supporters, as they highlight both familiar faces and surprising contenders. At the lower end of the spectrum, David Moyes, who endured a troubled and short-lived spell at United following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, is listed at 50/1. Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the former caretaker who enjoyed a memorable stint before being given the permanent role, stands at 14/1. Yet what has stirred the most debate is Ten Hag’s placement at 8/1, putting him in third position, just behind England boss Gareth Southgate at 6/1.
The possibility of Ten Hag returning has split opinion sharply within the United fanbase. On one hand, many argue that his tenure at Old Trafford demonstrated his shortcomings at the elite level, with critics pointing to his failure to establish consistency or adapt tactically when under pressure. On the other hand, there is a strong belief among his supporters that he was never afforded the full backing he deserved, particularly in the transfer market. According to them, Ten Hag’s vision was undermined by poor squad planning and a lack of genuine support from the hierarchy, making it unfair to judge his reign too harshly.
Proponents of the Dutch coach highlight his stellar work at Ajax, where he built a reputation for tactical organisation, discipline, and a proven ability to nurture and elevate young players. They argue that those qualities could still benefit United if he were given the right structure and resources. Detractors, however, see the potential reappointment as a regressive step, suggesting it would only emphasize United’s recurring pattern of managerial missteps rather than signal genuine forward momentum.
Among all the names mentioned, Southgate appears to be gaining the most traction. His calm leadership with the England national team, coupled with a record of steady progress in international tournaments, has positioned him as a viable option if Amorim’s struggles continue. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Moyes and Solskjær on the odds list only serves to reinforce the cyclical and chaotic nature of United’s constant managerial upheavals.
For Amorim, the message is clear: time is running out. Every match has now taken on added importance, as disappointing results only fuel speculation about his job security. With bookmakers adjusting the odds and high-profile candidates waiting in the wings, the relentless Manchester United managerial carousel is spinning once more — and at present, one figure is already edging closer to the front of the queue.
