7 British Clubs Favourites to Appoint Sacked Fenerbahce Manager

One of football’s most polarising characters is back on the market after it was announced on Friday that Jose Mourinho was no longer the manager of Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The Special One had a tumultuous tenure in Istanbul, which drew to a close after he failed to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.

As you would expect, the rumour mill is swirling with possibilities as to where Mourinho could go next. A new challenge may beckon, or potentially an old one he may like to revisit. However, according to Sky Bet, these clubs are the most likely destinations for the 62-year-old.

Manchester United – 16/1

Mourinho has certainly made no bones about the fact that he would welcome a return to Manchester United. In fact, he has previously told confidants he would walk there if offered a second crack at the whip. And there may be no better time for round two.

Ruben Amorim’s transformation has not borne any fruit in the slightest, and the man who once trained under the Special One is getting closer and closer to the sack as each game passes. It might take a wiser head to come in and steady the ship, even if he is not the long-term answer to United’s problems.

Fulham – 10/1

It has to be said, it would be incredibly harsh of Fulham to sack Marco Silva in any circumstances considering how well he has done during his time at Craven Cottage, cementing the London outfit as a Premier League regular. What could be more likely is that he is snapped up by someone else, which would leave a vacancy ready to be filled.

Silva was once dubbed the next Jose Mourinho, so it could be quite fitting for the original to take his place should the hot seat open up. And having had great success in London previously with Chelsea, it might feel like somewhat of a homecoming.

Burnley – 9/1

Imagine Scott Parker being replaced by one of his former managers. Well, given that the Englishman doesn’t have a great track record as a coach in the Premier League, there is every chance that he could face the chopping block at Turf Moor. If he does, much like with Amorim, a man with more experience and an appetite to find results by any means necessary may be the answer.

It would certainly be a fall from grace for Mourinho. And imagine if he didn’t keep Burnley up. Can you see him working in the Championship? Not likely, but perhaps in an interim capacity, there could be some scope for this.

Leeds – 17/2

In some ways, this feels like the perfect fit. Leeds fans are as passionate as they come. Mourinho is no doubt a passionate manager. When everything is in sync, it could be a rather powerful dynamic. Equally though, if it went wrong, it could be carnage.

In terms of the chances of it happening, Leeds were already debating whether to sack Daniel Farke before the start of the season. If concerns remain about his chances of keeping the Elland Road outfit up, then there is a chance he is shown the door and Mourinho is welcomed in.

Rangers – 5/1

Mourinho and Ibrox. Now that would be a sight to behold. And the good thing is, he surely can’t do any worse than Russell Martin has done thus far. The former Southampton boss already has fans calling for his head after winning just three of his opening 10 games in charge – the worst record of any permanent manager at the club.

The 6-0 demolition by Club Brugge has led to protests already taking place. And if Martin faces the music, who better to wake up the sleeping giant than a man who may be looking to complete his own redemption arc. It would certainly be a coup for the Scottish Premiership, and would also see him come up against a former protege in Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.

Nottingham Forest – 10/3

Much like with Marco Silva, if Nuno Espirito Santo were to be sacked by Nottingham Forest, it would be an extremely harsh call given the fact he is the man behind the club’s return to European football. However, it is clear that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis is hanging on by a thread and it may only take one blip to cut the cord.

However, in hiring Mourinho, the Garibaldi would have someone not only proven in the Premier League, but capable of winning in Europe. And imagine if the two-time Champions League winner were able to guide Forest to Europa League glory and all that entails.

West Ham United – 15/8

How do you replace a man who has been famously sacked by Chelsea? By getting someone in who has suffered the same fate twice over. Joking aside, it is clear that Graham Potter’s tenure is not working out at West Ham United. The Hammers often fall into the trap of hiring a pragmatic manager who stabilises the ship, gets some good results on the board, but is then replaced under the idea of playing more attractive football.

Every time this happens, capitulation ensues. Julen Lopetegui found out first, and Potter is not faring any better. So, the pattern may continue if West Ham seek one of the most pragmatic managers in history in Mourinho to ensure their Premier League safety if nothing else.