Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is cut from 80/1 to ODDS

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as the shock favourite for a vacant managerial job.

The former Manchester United boss hasn't taken charge of a side since being sacked by the Red Devils in 2021, though has said on a number of occasions that he is keen to re-enter the industry.

He had led the likes of Cardiff and Molde prior to becoming a coach at United, and took over permanently when Jose Mourinho left, three years prior to his departure.

In his media appearances since, he has spoken regularly about his playing days at United, including linking up with Roy Keane and joining the former United captain on his Sky podcast 'Stick to Football'.

The ex-forward's return to management could be closer than it seems, too, after he was cut from 80/1 to odds-on favourite for a surprise job - which Keane may well have been interested in!

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as the shock favourite for a job three years after his sacking from Manchester United

The former Red Devils boss has not managed a side since leaving his former club in 2021

Roy Keane, meanwhile, has expressed his desire to return to coaching at international level

At international level, the Republic of Ireland are looking for a new boss following the recent departure of Stephen Kenny, who left his role last year when his contract was not renewed.

NEXT REPUBLIC OF IRELAND MANAGER ODDS - SELECTED

Odds via Paddy Power

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 8/15

Steve Bruce - 7/2

John O'Shea - 6/1

Roy Keane - 14/1

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With no competitive game until September, the nation have time on their side to appoint their new manager, and it could well be Solskjaer.

Formerly an 80/1 outsider, he has now fallen down to 8/15 odds-on favourite with Paddy Power, ahead of the likes of Steve Bruce (7/2) and interim boss John O'Shea (6/1).

Anthony Barry is fourth at 12/1, with Guy Poyet matching the odds and former Republic of Ireland assistant manager Keane down at 14/1.

Keane had recently spoken on Stick to Football about his attraction to international football and how he has enjoyed being a coach of a side at that level rather than at a club. 

'International football, I enjoyed it when I was a coach,' the former midfielder said. 'I liked the dynamics of it where you're not in every day and it's not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week or the academy. Yeah, that does appeal.'

'I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin [O'Neill] with the Irish team. We had a little bit of success and when you've had a bit of success then it's brilliant, but obviously there are disappointments. So yeah, that could be an option.'

The two former players played together for nine years at Man United and remain good friends

Keane was Solskjaer's captain for a period of time as they enjoyed success as United players

Steve Bruce (pictured) has also been tipped as a candidate to take the job following the departure of Stephen Kenny

Though he has not been a manager since leaving Ipswich in 2011, Keane, Solskjaer's former captain, was assistant under O'Neill and a key part of his coaching set-up between 2013 and 2018.

Solskjaer getting the job instead could lead to frustration for Keane, who has admitted he would be interested in the role.

He played with the Norwegian between 1996 and 2005 and was a regular defender of his friend when he was United manager.