Van looks the likely man

SPORTS BETTING: DAVID Moyes was today reported to be fuming over his sacking as Manchester United manager.

Whether the Scot feels he should have been given more time at the helm or was merely incensed at the way his dismissal was conducted isn’t clear. But to neutral observers Moyes’ exit was purely a matter of time, given his pretty dreadful record this season.

Yes, Moyes made mistakes. Getting rid of a coaching staff that had just helped to guide United to a Premier League title in runaway fashion was arguably his biggest.

That surely went down like a lead balloon with the players and started Moyes’ tenure on the wrong foot. It never really recovered.

United simply have to get their next appointment right or a long exile from Champions League football and its riches is likely.

So, who is the right man for the Old Trafford hot seat? As far as the bookies are concerned, it’s cut and dried: Louis van Gaal is the 8-11 favourite.

Twice manager of the Holland team, the 62 year old is vastly experienced having also spent time in charge of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

He is a disciple of attacking football and has the stature to attract big-name signings - though United’s absence from next season’s Champions League could cause problems in that respect.

Current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti may become available if the Spanish giants fail to win their domestic title or the Champions League. He is 10-1 second favourite.

Then it’s 12-1 Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, 18-1 temporary incumbent Ryan Giggs and 25-1 Jose Mourinho, whose appointment would represent an extraordinary U-turn by United given their decision to overlook him when Moyes got the job.

Ferguson, meanwhile, is 33-1 to return to his former post, which is a hugely-unlikely scenario.