David Moyes odds-on for United axe before next season

Coral have gone odds-on at 4/6 for David Moyes not to be in charge of Manchester United come the start of next season. Predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson is joint-favourite to replace him, despite retiring last May.

The Red Devils, who are reigning Premier League champions, have won just one of their last three home games, and must overturn a two-goal deficit against Olympiakos at Old Trafford if they are to stay in the Champions League.

Moyes’ men are odds-on at 1/2 for victory on the night, but are 15/8 shots to qualify from this last 16 tie and 40/1 outsiders to lift the European Cup for a fourth time. A Second Coming of Fergie would evoke memories of the botched succession to Sir Matt Busby in 1969/70.

United have never had a manager from outside the British Isles, but only Ferguson and player-coach Ryan Giggs are from these shores among the rumoured leading candidates.

At 6/1, Fergie is joint-favourite to return to the Red Devils dugout with Netherlands national coach Louis van Gaal, who will be seeking a new challenge after the World Cup.

Linked with replacing Tim Sherwood at Tottenham too, Dutchman Van Gaal has had hugely successful spells at Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp comes next in the market at 7/1. This popular German plays attractive football and is prepared to give young talent a platform – something which fits into the United tradition.

Modern era legend, but coaching novice, Giggs is a 12/1 shot to move into the hotseat. So is Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, but he may not be a popular choice with the Old Trafford faithful because of that infamous 1998 World Cup incident with a certain David Beckham.

Juventus coach Antonio Conte and Bayern boss Pep Gaurdiola are both 20/1 chances, yet they are building respective dynasties in Turin and Munich. Two veteran Italians, Carlo Ancelotti (currently in charge at Real Madrid) and Fabio Capello (under contract with Russia until after they have hosted the World Cup in 2018), come next at 25/1 each.

Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho and former Swansea manager Michael Laudrup, who won silverware last season, are 33/1 outsiders to come to Old Trafford. The latter has a fly-by-night reputation, however, which is not in keeping with the Red Devils.