The bookies are surprised that Wayne Rooney will return to management at League One relegation contender Cambridge United.
Garry Monk departed his position as head coach of Cambridge after less than a year, the League One team confirmed on Sunday.
The U’s are eight points out of safety in the third division and have only won five league games this season.
With League Two relegation imminent, Cambridge will be searching for an appointment that will help them maintain their chances of surviving.
Former head coach Mark Bonner is the clear favourite at 2/1 and at the top of the Cambridge candidate list.
Prior to accepting the permanent position in March 2020, Bonner had served the club as an assistant and interim manager.
During his first full season, he led them from League Two to League One, but a bad run of results led to his dismissal in September 2023.
After spending eight months with Gillingham, the 39-year-old is currently without a club.
Neil Harris was Bonner’s permanent replacement at Cambridge, however he only stayed for a little more than two months before departing in February 2024.
He is currently 8/1 for the U’s vacancy after returning to his old club, Millwall, before departing once more in December.
Along with Leighton Baines and Gary O’Neil, Rob Edwards, a former member of Cambridge’s rivals Luton Town, has odds of 16/1.
In addition to former England interim manager Lee Carsley, Steve Cooper and Russell Martin are doubtful additions at 20/1.
As he considers a comeback to the touchline, Rooney, the legend of Manchester United and England, may potentially be a contender.
According to talkSPORT BET, the 39-year-old has a 25/1 chance of succeeding Monk as Cambridge’s manager.
After leaving Plymouth Argyle at the conclusion of 2024 following a nine-match losing streak, Rooney is available.
Even though he had a challenging time at Birmingham City, he is still eager to take on another coaching position.
“I would like to go back in [to management],” he stated on Stick to Football in January. “I would do, but it would have to be the right club.”
But then he emphasised: “I’m not in a huge hurry to get back in.
Additionally, I’m looking at a number of various activities to try and get involved with.
“So, unless something was absolutely the right thing to do, then [no].”
Some of Rooney’s former England teammates, such as Steven Gerrard and John Terry, are also listed at 25/1.
Terry coaches Chelsea’s youth, and Gerrard most recently played for Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
