Published on: January 9, 2026, 02:22h.
Updated on: January 12, 2026, 04:13h.
- Michael Owen analyzes the betting odds for Manchester United’s next manager.
- Solskjaer tops the market, with Carrick and Southgate also in contention.
- Nostalgia for “Man Utd DNA” clashes with contemporary tactical appointments.
Manchester United is cycling through managers more quickly than bookmakers can adjust their odds for the next candidate. With Ruben Amorim reportedly enjoying a £12 million payout on a beach somewhere, we ponder whether there’s a candidate capable of stabilizing this floundering club and returning it to its former glory.
When you ask pundits like Gary Neville (100/1 for the role at Bet365) or Paul Scholes, they’ll emphasize that any prospective manager needs to embody something called “United DNA.” Yet, after 13 years adrift, does anyone truly understand what that means now? Can anyone recall? And would anyone be willing to take on a position considered one of football’s most daunting challenges?
We turned to someone who undoubtedly has “United DNA,” blended with a touch of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Newcastle Utd heritage—Michael Owen. The former England international and Ballon d’Or winner has signed on as Casino.org’s exclusive UK & Ireland Affiliate Ambassador for 2026, making him an ideal voice to navigate the betting landscape for United’s next manager.
‘You Want It All’
Owen donned the Red Devils jersey from 2009 to 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson, helping the club secure the 2010-11 Premier League title. He possesses valuable insights into what it takes to restore pride at Old Trafford.
“You need a bit of everything, right?” Owen states. “You want experience. You want someone who understands the club. You want exciting and aggressive football. But realistically, is there a manager out there who possesses all those qualities?”
Let’s explore.
European Strategist or Local Favorite?
There has been speculation about Oliver Glasner (5/2), Andoni Iraola (14/1), Luis Enrique (10/1), and even Thomas Tuchel (7/1) post-World Cup taking over by the next season—each an elite European strategist. However, the club attempted that with Erik ten Hag and Amorim, which didn’t yield success. Owen senses a shift in sentiment among fans and management leaning towards hiring from within.
“If you’re after a trendy foreign tactical expert with a hint of sophistication—everyone gets excited. But soon, the novelty wears off and fans start yearning for a Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, or Gary Neville—a nostalgic return to those player archetypes,” Owen explains.
“It’s evident that many are feeling emotionally inclined toward that type of manager,” he adds. As a result, it’s no surprise that the frontrunner for the United managerial position is Ole Gunnar Solskjær, currently at 5/4.
Solskjær: The True United Spirit
Solskjær embodies nearly 100% United DNA, which is essential, as previously noted. The 1990s super-sub became a club legend after netting the dramatic last-minute goal against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final.
His tenure as manager from 2018-2021 arguably marked the most successful period since Ferguson’s departure. He led the team to the Europa League final and a second-place finish in the Premier League before being dismissed later that year.
Recently let go by Turkish side Besiktas for not qualifying for Europe, Solskjær has expressed his willingness to return to United and is reportedly in discussions with the club this weekend.
Underdog Candidate
Curiously, after Solskjær’s dismissal in 2021, caretaker manager Michael Carrick (7/1) had a brief stint, and is now viewed as a potential dark horse for the job. Carrick enjoyed success at Middlesbrough until his departure last June.
“I’m quite fond of the Michael Carrick option,” Owen admits. “He’s had a taste of it before and handled it well at Middlesbrough. I see potential there. While working with him on TV, he didn’t seem desperate to return, but he would certainly consider a suitable opportunity.”
Southgate: A Viable Option for United?
One name that keeps cropping up, even before Amorim took the reins, is Gareth Southgate, who led England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Southgate excels at fostering team spirit, but there are doubts surrounding his tactical acumen, club management history, and playing style.
“I do believe that Gareth Southgate would not exactly win over the fans, which is a significant consideration,” Owen reflects. “That’s a major drawback. I’m not convinced he would fit the club’s demands for a specific style of play, so there’s considerable skepticism regarding that appointment.
“However, on the flip side, he is highly intelligent, and might be the perfect person to steer a club of that magnitude back on course while effectively collaborating with the hierarchy.”
Southgate is currently a 12/1 contender with Bet365.