Steve Clarke shocked many Scotland fans by handing in his resignation immediately after his team’s 2026 World Cup elimination. Following a disappointing showing in the group stages, the Scottish FA is on the hunt for a new boss.

Clarke has been at the helm at Hampden Park since 2019 after taking over from Alex McLeish. His country hadn’t been in a major competition since the 1998 World Cup before his arrival, but have now taken part in three of the last four.

He’s undoubtedly got Scotland back to being tournament regulars, but crashing out of the 48-team World Cup at the first hurdle has been met with strong backlash. As a result, the ex-Scotland international has stepped down. But who will replace him? Well, Bet365’s odds have thrown up some interesting contenders.

Ange Postecoglou Among Favourites For Scotland Role

So far, there appear to be 20 names in the mix for the job. However, many are given odds of 25/1 or worse. For example, ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is at 40/1.

The legendary manager has just exited the World Cup at the same stage as Clarke, with better players at his disposal, so he goes down as a huge outsider. Meanwhile, former Scotland internationals Duncan Ferguson, Scott Brown, Barry Ferguson and Derek McInnes are all given 33/1 odds.

The latter would have likely been a strong contender after almost toppling the Old Firm with Hearts last season, but has recently been appointed as Rangers’ new boss. Recently departed Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna and Dunfermline’s Neil Lennon have the same chance of being the next manager.

At 25/1 are Scott Gemmill and Steven Pressley. But more notably, World Cup-winning manager Joachim Low is among the list of potential Clarke replacements. The ex-Germany boss hasn’t been involved in football since 2021, but has many years of experience in international management.

Former Bayer Leverkusen tactician Kasper Hjulmand (16/1) and two men who used to play in the famous blue shirt, Darren Fletcher and Shaun Maloney (both 10/1), would be shock appointments.

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann and Millwall’s Alex Neil, however, have plenty of experience and could well be looked at by the SFA. They have 8/1 and 7/1 odds, respectively.

Roberto Martinez is confirmed to be leaving Portugal after this summer’s tournament and is married to a Scottish woman, whom he met while playing for Motherwell. The Spaniard has slightly better odds (5/1) than Clarke’s old assistant, Steven Naismith (13/2).

Joining Martinez as the hottest contenders are John McGlynn of Falkirk, serial winner Ange Postecoglou and perhaps the best Scottish manager around, David Moyes. The Everton boss is the frontrunner, with 4/1 odds. It’d be a tough task for the Scotland bosses to lure him away from his £5 million-per-year salary.

Manchester United could be about to make the biggest move of the summer transfer window as they are linked with one of the biggest names in world football.

Since INEOS took over sporting operations, there has been less focus on signing high-profile players. The club have a history of swooping for household names, including Cristiano Ronaldo, whom they re-signed in 2021.

The Red Devils’ recruitment has improved under INEOS’ control, and last summer they pulled off four brilliant acquisitions. Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens have all thrived since joining the club.

While Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha enjoyed fine debut seasons, it appears Michael Carrick wants to add a ‘world-class’ attacker to his squad. He is gearing up for his first full campaign as head coach and will be eager to build a team capable of challenging for major honours.

Man Utd Ready to Pounce for Vinicius Junior

Manchester United are said to be eyeing a blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. Of the attackers on the club’s radar, the Brazilian is the one Carrick ‘likes the most’, per El Nacional.

Speculation is growing about Vinicius’ future amid uncertainty regarding his contract. He has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with Madrid, paving the way for clubs to try and lure him away from the Estadio Bernabeu.

Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on the 25-year-old’s situation and could capitalise on the player entering the final year of his contract. The Parisians see it as an opportunity to get revenge for Kylian Mbappe’s controversial switch to the La Liga giants.

The Spanish outlet goes as far as to claim that United are prepared to make Vinicius the highest-paid player in the Premier League. They are also weighing up a €120 million (£103m) to bring Los Blancos to the negotiating table.

Vinicius, dubbed “top class”, is enjoying a superb World Cup campaign with Brazil, thriving as the lead man in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. He has bagged four goals and one assist in three games for Selecao.

Michael Carrick Will Surely Be Prioritising Midfield

United are expected to be busy this summer but spending over £100m on Vinicius doesn’t seem likely. While he’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, he isn’t a necessity.

That amount of money should surely be used on bolstering a midfield that has lost Casemiro. Manuel Ugarte has been tipped for a departure but the Uruguayan has sustained a serious injury at the World Cup.

The Brazilian’s Madrid teammate, Aurelien Tchouameni, seems a realistic target as Carrick wants a new holding midfielder. The Frenchman could cost over £80m, and there is a belief he could be available.

Vinicius is set to play under Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu following the Portuguese coach’s return. The pair might need to make amends after a falling-out amid a racism row that took hold during Madrid’s Champions League play-off win over Benfica.

There are various factors that will come into play should Vinicius’ contract saga drag on. It gives the likes of United hope of pulling off an audacious move to bring him to Old Trafford.

Newcastle United are starting to draw up a list of potential Sandro Tonali replacements as the Italian looks increasingly likely to move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Tonali has reportedly pledged to join Tottenham, who have failed with two £75 million bids for the Magpies midfielder. GIVEMESPORT understands that Spurs are willing to offer a £85m package deal, which could convince the Tyneside outfit to sell.

The 26-year-old has been a key man for Eddie Howe and will be a massive loss if he is sold. Finding a suitable and worthy replacement will be of the utmost importance and a World Cup star appears to fit the bill.

Newcastle eyeing Manzambi as Tonali replacement

According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle are showing interest in Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi. The Switzerland international has been making headlines during the World Cup, scoring a brace in a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Manzambi also got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory over co-hosts Canada. His stock is growing amid an excellent tournament and the Magpies are watching him closely.

Downie notes that Howe’s scouts are looking at central midfielders while Tonali’s future is uncertain. Should the club decide to move for the 20-year-old as a replacement, they could be forking out around £42 million.

Manzambi also earned praise throughout the campaign with Freiburg in the Bundesliga. He appeared 47 times across competitions, registering seven goals and nine assists.

The Swiss star, hailed a ‘wonderkid’, has four years left on his contract, meaning Newcastle will likely have to pay the asking price. He is unbelievably versatile, operating in central midfield as well as a second striker, in attacking and defensive midfield.

Newcastle must go bigger to replace Tonali

While Manzambi is clearly an exciting young talent who could develop into a top midfielder, he is still in the early stages of his career. Newcastle need a ready-made replacement for Tonali, who possesses the experience and a profile similar to the Italian’s.

Felix Nmecha is reportedly on the Magpies’ shortlist, and signing the German could be ideal if Tonali leaves. He has Premier League experience, having started his career at Manchester City before becoming one of the Bundesliga’s most highly rated midfielders.

Manzambi is definitely worth pursuing, but he shouldn’t be viewed as the man to come into Howe’s midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes. He’d be a fine addition to offer depth in the middle of the park, and his versatility could be really helpful.