Manchester United news: Eric Cantona emerges as favourite to become new director of football at Old Trafford

Eric Cantona is the surprise favourite to become Manchester United’s new director of football.

The Red Devils are looking for someone to control the structure of the club, taking care of its core values and ensuring the football philosophy is maintained.

Known for his charismatic persona, Cantona has an iconic status at the club, and was once voted its greatest ever player by Inside United magazine.

He has been out of the game since his premature retirement in 1997, but a return to Old Trafford could now be on the cards, with bookmakers making him the even-money favourite to take the reigns.

Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: “Manchester United’s need for some direction at board room level has never been clearer, so it would be a brave decision to hire Cantona despite his legendary status.

“With Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in the Old Trafford Director’s Box already, it would be a perplexing decision to bring the Frenchman into the role.”

Other United heroes are also in the fold, with Edwin Van Der Sar, Gary Neville, and even current interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting a mention.

Meanwhile, the former head of recruitment at Tottenham, Paul Mitchell, is second favourite at 3/1.

Here are the odds courtesy of Oddschecker:

Next Man Utd Director of Football

Eric Cantona – 1/1 (fav)

Paul Mitchell – 3/1

Edwin van Der Sar – 4/1

Fabio Paratici – 11/2

Monchi – 11/2

Andrea Berta – 11/1

Gary Neville – 14/1