Ryan Giggs to Eddie Howe: Five Brits to replace David Moyes
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The betting market indicates that the race to be next permanent Manchester United manager is one of the two horse variety with Louis van Gaal and Jurgen Klopp the early front runners.
The Dutchman has made no attempt to downplay his desire for the role and is the short-priced favourite at 11/4, while Borussia Dortmund boss – and United fan favourite – Klopp can be backed at 4/1 to take the helm.
However, United have always had a British manager and their appointment of David Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor indicates an eagerness to maintain that tradition.
With that in mind we take a look at some top British candidates as an alternative to the big-name overseas names in the frame:
The most decorated player in the club’s history has been put in temporary charge of the club and has just four games to prove to the Glazer family that he can handle the pressure long term.
Backroom rumours have it that some of the senior players at Old Trafford had little faith in Moyes from the start and questioned his achievements in the game.
Giggs would face no such issues and will be hoping to make a transition into management akin to that of Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.
The favourite among the British contingent and the most plausible on the list but his lack of experience could see him overlooked at this stage.
Winner of three Premier Leagues, three FA Cups a League Cup and two European honours, Bruce is one of that elite crop of men dubbed a United Legend.
The 53-year-old has had a chequered managerial career thus far but is riding the crest of a wave at Hull.
The Tigers look certain to cement their status in the top flight and will run out at Wembley to challenge for the FA Cup for the first time in their history this May.
These achievements should not be underrated and one wonders what the former United player could achieve with a better playing squad at his disposal.
Long before he was the ‘Wally with the Brolly’, McClaren was Sir Alex’s right hand man in an era that brought three Premier League successes, one FA Cup triumph and that historic Champions League win in 1999.
The 52-year-old added a League Cup to his CV when manager of Middlesbrough and led FC Twente to the Eredivise title in Holland.
He is no stranger to the limelight having managed England – albeit unsuccessfully – and has been rebuilding his reputation at Derby, who are gearing up for the Championship play-offs in the coming weeks.
If United want a manager that will command instant respect then they need look no further than Keane.
The Irishman led by example as the club’s captain in a hugely successful spell and the fact that Sir Alex will not be asked for his opinion on Moyes’ replacement will count in Keane’s favour.
The pair fell out at the end of his Old Trafford playing days and while his ruling through fear mantra may not appeal to all it could be just what the pampered stars in the current squad need.
Keane started his managerial career extremely well at Sunderland but failed to build on that when in the Ipswich Town dugout.
Currently assisting Martin O’Neill in the Republic of Ireland set-up, the 42-year-old would get huge backing from the Stretford End, despite his outspoken ways.
The only man on this list with no link to United but if the club are looking for a British manager with bags of talent and the majority of his career in front of him they could do a lot worse the AFC Bournemouth man.
The Cherries boss guided the south-coast club from the relegation places to automatic promotion to the Championship last year and while many predicted relegation this term the Dean Court outfit remain in the play-off hunt with two games to go.
However, it is Bournemouth’s style of play, rather than their on-pitch success, that would please United fans with Howe’s side eschewing route one tactics in favour of an expansive and attractive attacking brand of football.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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