Carrick Odds-On Favourite as United Hunt for Amorim's Successor

The Manchester United managerial merry-go-round spins on. Ruben Amorim has departed Old Trafford, somehow managing to exit with his reputation relatively unscathed despite a tenure that will live long in the memory for all the wrong reasons. Now the club faces the familiar task of finding their next saviour – the manager who absolutely, definitely will be different from all the others.

According to the latest odds from oddschecker.com, several names are in the frame. Here's where the betting stands:

Michael Carrick tops the market. Everything in his profile screams future management success – a midfielder of genuine substance during his United days, now a thoughtful television analyst. There's just that awkward period when he actually managed a football club that gives pause for thought. His club credentials are impeccable, but whether that's enough to overcome the previous managerial evidence remains the question. He could arrive as a steadying interim through to summer, and should he oversee 10 games, the bookmakers will count him a winner regardless.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly indicated willingness to return, though only on a temporary basis until season's end. It's a prospect that generates equal measures of intrigue and bemusement among the fanbase.

Darren Fletcher currently holds the interim position after taking charge of the first two matches – which yielded a draw and a defeat. The former midfielder's appointment carries historical significance; Solskjaer's path to permanent employment began similarly, though Fletcher faces an uphill task to reach the magic 10-game threshold.

Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth sits in a similar position to his peers – contract expiring, ready for advancement. Cherries' recent poor form may give United pause, however.

Oliver Glasler at Crystal Palace presents an alternative option. The German's three-at-the-back system represents a philosophical departure from Amorim's approach, which may or may not appeal to the hierarchy.

Gareth Southgate remains linked despite his repeated insistence that he's content away from management. His England achievements have done nothing to dampen speculation, though a return seems unlikely.

Luis Enrique has emerged as an intriguing possibility following reports of his desire to leave PSG for fresh challenges this summer. Securing a Champions League-winning manager would represent genuine ambition – which probably means it won't happen.

Ruud van Nistelrooy completes the upper reaches of the list, a curious inclusion given his recent struggles at Leicester City.

Frank Lampard and Eddie Howe round out the discussion. Lampard's appointment would be theatrical but improbable. Howe, Roy Keane's favoured candidate, appears settled at Newcastle, having recently influenced the appointment of Ross Wilson as sporting director.

The search continues. United's next permanent manager will inherit a club searching for answers. History suggests they may not find them immediately – or indeed at all.