Published on: January 9, 2026, 02:22h.

Updated on: January 9, 2026, 02:22h.

• Michael Owen evaluates the betting odds for Manchester United’s upcoming managerial position.
  
• Solskjaer is the frontrunner, with Carrick and Southgate being other possible candidates.
  
• Debate arises between “Man Utd DNA” nostalgia and the need for modern tactical approaches.

Manchester United is cycling through managers at a pace that betters can barely keep up with. As Ruben Amorim takes a vacation with his (alleged) £12 million severance pay, we ponder whether there exists a candidate capable of stabilizing this tumultuous club and guiding it back to its illustrious past.

When you consult pundits like Gary Neville (listed at 100/1 for the position with Bet365) or Paul Scholes, they passionately argue that any new candidate needs to possess what is known as “United DNA.” However, after over a decade in the wilderness, does anyone truly know what that entails anymore? Can anyone recall? And who in their right mind would want to take on what many deem the ultimate poisoned chalice in football?

We reached out to someone with genuine “United DNA,” in addition to a healthy portion of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Newcastle Utd lineage—Michael Owen. The former England international and Ballon d’Or victor has recently taken on the mantle of Casino.org’s exclusive UK & Ireland Affiliate Ambassador for 2026, making him a perfect fit for assessing the odds on the next United manager.

‘You Want Everything’

Owen donned the Red Devils jersey from 2009 to 2012 under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, contributing to the team’s 2010-11 Premier League title win. He brings valuable insights into what it takes to restore the glory of Old Trafford.

“You want a mix, don’t you?” he shares. “You want someone with experience. You desire someone who understands the club. You also crave attacking, aggressive football. You want a myriad of qualities. But in reality, is there a manager out there who embodies all these attributes?”

Let’s dig deeper.

European Tactician or Local Hero?

Names like Oliver Glasner (5/2), Andoni Iraola (14/1), Luis Enrique (10/1), and even a post-World Cup Thomas Tuchel (7/1) have emerged as potential successors by the next season—each representing elite European tactical expertise. Yet, the club has previously attempted this with Erik ten Hag and Amorim, to no avail. Owen senses a shift among fans and management, leaning towards local familiarity.

“If you’re seeking the next foreign tactical genius with a charming accent, initially everyone is thrilled. But then, reality sinks in, and you realize, ‘Maybe we should return to a Roy Keane, a Paul Scholes, or a Gary Neville, or Nicky Butt—those players from the past.’”

“I sense that many are feeling this way right now—emotionally, people are inclined towards that kind of manager.”

It’s natural for a club grappling with an identity crisis to draw inspiration from its glorious past, which may explain why the current frontrunner for the manager role at United is Ole Gunnar Solskjær, listed at 5/4.

Solskjær: The True United Figure

Solskjær embodies “United DNA,” which, as established, is vital in the current context. The iconic super-sub from the 1990s etched his name into club lore by scoring the unforgettable injury-time winner against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final.

His previous managerial stint from 2018 to 2021 stands out as one of the most successful in the post-Ferguson era. He led the team to a Europa League final and secured a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2021 before being dismissed later that year.

After being let go by Turkish club Besiktas for failing to qualify for European competition, Solskjær has expressed readiness to return to United and is reportedly in discussions with the club over the weekend.

Unexpected Contender

Notably, following Solskjær’s dismissal in 2021, the interim manager was the former United player Michael Carrick (7/1), who enjoyed a successful tenure at Middlesbrough, albeit with a premature end when he was let go last June.

Carrick only managed United for a brief three matches in 2021, but Owen feels he might be a dark horse in the managerial race.

“I have a particular affinity for the Michael Carrick option,” he states. “He has experienced a taste of management already. His tenure at Middlesbrough showcased his potential. I can definitely see that happening. Recently, I was working alongside him in the media, and although he didn’t seem eager to return just yet, if the right opportunity arises, he would undoubtedly consider it. So, I genuinely favor that option.”

Is Southgate Heading to United?

Another name frequently mentioned, even before Amorim’s appointment, is Gareth Southgate, who has successfully guided England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Southgate has demonstrated his capacity to unite players, but doubts linger about his tactical acumen, club management experience (which has been inconsistent), and overall style of play (which has lacked flair).

“I believe that Gareth Southgate… might not be the most favorable choice among fans, which needs to be considered,” Owen reflects. “That’s a significant drawback for him. His style might not meet Manchester United’s expectations. There’s considerable skepticism surrounding that potential appointment.

“Nevertheless, he’s an intelligent individual and could be the right person to manage a club of this size, steering them back on track and effectively collaborating with the hierarchy.”

Southgate is currently positioned as a 12/1 bet with Bet365.