Jose Mourinho is the 5/4 favourite at Ladbrokes to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager after the Scot announced his retirement.
Ferguson is stepping down after 26 years in charge at Old Trafford and in a remarkable turnaround across the managerial markets, the Special One has gone from odds-on favourite to return to Chelsea to the head of the betting for the United job.
Mourinho has jumped above Everton chief David Moyes, now trading at 11/8, in Ladbrokes’ market while Borussia Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp is next at 16/1 in what is looking like a two-horse race.
Ladbrokes are also offering odds of 8/1 for Old Trafford to be named after Sir Alex Ferguson, 10/1 for the 71-year-old to make a comeback and 4/1 (from 33s) for Fergie to be named Sports Personality of the Year.
However, United have now drifted in the title betting for next season, with Manchester City now Ladbrokes’ 13/8 favourites.
Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes told Betrescue: “Mourinho has gone from being a Stamford Bridge shoo-in to United favourite in minutes. Ferguson’s retirement has triggered a betting frenzy and punters are now convinced the Special One is re-routing to Manchester.”
He added: “We’ve never known a manager which has cost us more money. Thanks to his incredible determination to win punters have lined their pockets several times over during his reign and he’ll be sorely missed.”
Ladbrokes latest betting
Next Manchester United manager
Jose Mourinho 5/4
David Moyes 11/8
Jurgen Klopp 16/1
Mike Phelan 16/1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 20/1
Roy Keane 25/1
Roberto Martinez 25/1
33/1 bar
Sir Alex Ferguson to return to Manchester United as manager before 2020 10/1
Sir Alex Ferguson to win the 2013 SPOTY 4/1 (from 33/1)
Old Trafford to be renamed after Sir Alex Ferguson before 2033 8/1 (from 25/1)
2013/14 Premier League winner
Manchester City 13/8
Manchester United 7/4
Chelsea 7/2
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