Jose Mourinho, one of football’s most divisive figures, has returned to the market after it was declared on Friday that he was no longer manager of Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The Special One had a turbulent career in Istanbul, which ended after he failed to advance to the Champions League’s next round.
Manchester United – 16/1
Mourinho has clearly stated that he would welcome a return to Manchester United. In fact, he has previously stated to confidants that he would walk there if given a second chance at the whip. And there may not be a better time for round two.
Ruben Amorim’s makeover has yielded no results, and the guy who formerly trained under the Special One is moving closer to being fired with each game that passes. It may require a wiser head to step in and steady the ship, even if he is not the long-term solution to United’s difficulties.
Fulham – 10/1
It must be noted that sacking Marco Silva under any circumstances would be extremely cruel, given how well he has performed at Craven Cottage, confirming the London club’s status as a Premier League regular. What is more likely is that he is hired by someone else, leaving an open position.
Silva was once labeled “the next Jose Mourinho,” so it would be fitting for the original to take his position if the hot seat became available. And, having previously enjoyed such success in London with Chelsea, this may seem like a homecoming.
Burnley – 9/1
Imagine Scott Parker being replaced by one of his former managers. Given the Englishman’s poor track record as a Premier League coach, he is likely to be fired at Turf Moor. If he does, like with Amorim, a man with more experience and a desire to achieve outcomes by all means necessary may be the solution.
It would undoubtedly be a fall from grace for Mourinho. And imagine if he didn’t keep Burnley going. Can you envision him working in the championship? Not likely, but in an interim capacity, there may be some room for this.
Leeds – 17/2.
In some respects, this seems like a perfect fit. Leeds supporters are as passionate as they come. Mourinho is unquestionably a passionate manager. When everything is in harmony, the dynamics may be quite powerful. However, if something goes wrong, the consequences could be disastrous.
In terms of the likelihood of it happening, Leeds were already considering firing Daniel Farke before the season began. If doubts about his ability to keep the Elland Road club alive persist, he may be let go and Mourinho replaced.
Rangers – 5/1
Mourinho and Rangers. That would be amazing to see. And the good news is that he can’t do any worse than Russell Martin has thus far. The former Southampton manager is already under fire from fans after winning only three of his first ten games in charge, the club’s worst record under any permanent manager.
Protests have already begun following Club Brugge’s 6-0 demolition. And if Martin faces the music, who better to awaken the sleeping behemoth than a man seeking to fulfill his own redemption arc? It would undoubtedly be a coup for the Scottish Premiership, and he would also face off against a former protege in Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.
Nottingham Forest – 10/3
Similar to Marco Silva, sacking Nuno Espirito Santo by Nottingham Forest would be an exceedingly painful decision given that he is the driving force behind the club’s return to European play. However, it is evident that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis is tenuous, and it may just take one glitch to severe the ties.
However, by signing Mourinho, the Garibaldi would have someone who is not only experienced in the Premier League but also capable of winning in Europe. And imagine if the two-time Champions League winner could lead Forest to Europa League triumph, with everything that involves.
West Ham United – 15/8
How do you replace a man who was famously fired by Chelsea? By bringing in someone who has endured the same tragedy twice. Joking aside, it is evident that Graham Potter’s stay at West Ham United is not going well. The Hammers frequently fall into the trap of selecting a pragmatic manager who stabilizes the ship, achieves some positive achievements, and is subsequently replaced with the goal of playing more appealing football.
Every time this happens, capitulation occurs. Julen Lopetegui discovered out first, and Potter isn’t faring any better. So, the pattern may continue if West Ham seek one of history’s most pragmatic managers in Mourinho to assure their Premier League survival, if nothing else.
José Mourinho’s Most Likely Destinations
Rank
Club
Odds
1.
West Ham United
15/8
2.
Nottingham Forest
10/3
3.
Rangers
5/1
4.
Leeds
17/2
5.
Burnley
9/1
6.
Fulham
10/1
7.
Manchester United
16/1
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