Mourinho, Moyes and Solskjaer: The Contenders to Replace Sir Alex Ferguson

David Moyes: 8/13

Current club: Eveton

Major trophies: None

Another boss to graduate from the Glasgow finishing school with full honours; Moyes is the flesh and blood of Ferguson's managerial legacy. After serving his apprenticeship at Preston North End, his 11-year spell at Everton has included three LMA Manager of the Year awards, as many as Ferguson, taking the Toffees from relegation candidates to the Champions League qualifying stage. An FA Cup final defeat in 2009 has served as the closest Moyes has got to a major trophy, while his experience in the continent's premier club competition is severely lacking. Like Mourinho, Ferguson's endorsement would accompany his application.

Jose Mourinho: 2/1

Current club: Real Madrid

Major trophies: 16

The most successful club manager in world football over the past decade with league titles in four different countries and only behind Bob Paisley in terms of Champions League winners medals as a boss. The 'Special One' has a lasting friendship with Ferguson which could prove significant in the recruitment process, which the 71 year old is likely to influence. However, Mourinho's appetite for destruction while at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, his attempts to exert power over the ownership coupled with his regular manipulation of the media, who would rejoice in the return of the Portuguese boss, makes him a risky appointment.

Jurgen Klopp: 8/1

Current club: Borussia Dortmund

Major trophies: Three

Arguably the most talented coach currently operating in Europe. Klopp broke the stronghold of Bayern Munich to claim successive Bundesliga titles playing free-flowing attacking football combining verve and the game's stars of tomorrow. The Champions League became the priority this season, and after breaking a nine-year duck with a league title, Dortmund face Bayern at Wembley hoping to an a 16-year wait for a second European Cup. An effervescent character and one whose adaption to English football would be seamless.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 16/1

Current club: Molde

Major trophies: Two

After scoring the late winner for United in the 1999 Champions League final, Solskjaer has begun building reputation as a manager in his homeland with Molde. Successive league championships have followed, but five defeats from the first seven in 2013 represents his first struggle. The 40 year old turned down offers from Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers to remain in Norway, suggesting that his apprenticeship is far from complete. Should the Glazer family be seeking to make a popular appointment, rather than an informed one, they could do worse than the 'Baby Faced Assassin'.

Laurent Blanc: 50/1

Current club: None

Major trophies: Two

For so long Blanc was the player that got away for Ferguson. His addition eventually in 2001 mightn't have been while the French World Cup winner was at the peak of his powers put it worked to fuse a bond between the two. In management, Blanc claimed the French league and cup double in his second season in charge of Bordeaux and then was left to pick up the pieces after France's disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign as he replaced Raymond Domenech. His totalitarian approach with members of the squad saw them take a 23-match unbeaten run into Euro 2012 but a disappointing defeat to eventual champions Spain saw Blanc take his leave.