JOSE MOURINHO is the shock favourite to replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager.
Amorim, 40, has endured a nightmare spell since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November.
But following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford - an all-time record-equalling ninth home loss of the season - Amorim dropped a major bombshell.
The Portuguese boss threatened to QUIT if he is unable to turn the horror show around at United, who sit 16th in the Premier League table on 39 points with two games to go.
And should Amorim walk away, Mourinho is top of the bookies' odds to come in.
According to Betfair's odds, the Special One is a staggering 4-1 favourite to make a stunning return to Old Trafford and take over from his compatriot.
Mourinho, 62, was United boss from May 2016 until December 2018, winning the League Cup and Europa League in 2017 before things turned sour.
United did not win another trophy for six years until the 2023 League Cup under Ten Hag, while Mourinho's only silverware since has been the Conference League with Roma in 2022.
The likelihood of Sir Jim Ratcliffe bringing in the current Fenerbahce boss seems slim, especially given his past history with the club.
Second on the list is Ipswich's Kieran McKenna at 7-1.
The Northern Irishman - who was a coach under Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United - is still held in high regard despite being unable to avoid relegation with the Tractor Boys.
And third with Betfair is 8-1 Gareth Southgate.
The former England boss has been out of management since leaving his role with the Three Lions after the Euro 2024 final.
Thomas Frank was linked with the United job when they looked to find Ten Hag's successor and the sterling job he has done at Brentford means he remains in contention at 9-1.
Ex-Barca boss Xavi (10-1), Marco Silva (11-1), Brendan Rodgers (12-1), Mauricio Pochettino (12-1) and Unai Emery (12-1) are all on the list.
And currently at 14-1 is Carlo Ancelotti.
The Real Madrid boss looks destined to leave the Bernabeu this summer after the early Champions League exit and Barcelona set to win LaLiga.
And if the iconic veteran does not take the Brazil gig, he could bring some much-needed trophy-winning experience and aura to the Old Trafford dugout.
Betfair Spokesperson Sam Rosbottom: "Manchester United's season all rests on the next week's Europa League final, for Ruben Amorim defeat must be unthinkable given how disastrous this season has been, especially since he took charge.
"If Spurs win, there could be some questions about his future at Old Trafford, especially after he admitted over the weekend he may walk if things don't improve early next season.
"Looking at who could take over, a return for Jose Mourinho could be on the cards, with the special and experienced one leading the betting at 4-1.
"Former United first-team coach and current Ipswich manager, Kieran McKenna is also popular in the betting and is the second favourite at 7-1.
"While there's also interested in the likes of Gareth Southgate at 8-1 and Brentford boss Thomas Frank at 9/1, two managers they have been linked heavily with before."
