Jose Mourinho: The Portuguese manager will assess his options after leaving Manchester United
Jose Mourinho: The Portuguese manager will assess his options after leaving Manchester United

Jose Mourinho: What next for the Portuguese after Manchester United exit - Real Madrid return?


Jose Mourinho is out of a job after Manchester United called time on his spell in charge at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese boss, 55, was sacked on Tuesday after the club's worst ever start to a Premier League season, leaving them 11 points adrift of the top four and 19 behind leaders and rivals Liverpool.

The majority of headlines and reaction to his departure are surrounding his replacement, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the current favourite - read more on that development here.

But another question is where next for him?

He has two Premier League sackings on his CV in the last three years, but his trophy haul cannot be questioned and he certainly will not be short of offers.

Using odds from Sky Bet's next managerial position market for Mourinho, we assess his options.

Real Madrid - 4/1

Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly wants Mourinho to return to the Bernabeu, despite his ill-fated spell in Manchester.

The Portuguese had three years in Madrid from 2010, guiding them to one La Liga title and Copa del Rey triumph, and Perez reportedly believes Mourinho can fix their problems and revitalise the club.

He fell out with the likes of Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo during his time in the Spanish capital, which in turn created a toxic atmosphere and led to his departure, and the latter two's influence within the club could still affect whether he makes a return.

Los Blancos handed Santiago Solari a three-year deal after replacing Zinedine Zidane last month, but the trigger-happy Spanish giants will not hesitate should Mourinho indicate his willingness to return.


Any Chinese Super League side - 5/1

If a club were to tempt Mourinho to move to China, it would have to be a lucrative deal.

Manuel Pellegrini, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Fabio Capello and Fabio Cannavaro have all managed in the Super League, but Mourinho would be a statement coup and attract further coverage from around the world.


Bayern Munich - 6/1

Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring against old club Borussia Dortmund
Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring against old club Borussia Dortmund

Niko Kovac has not had the best of starts in his first season as manager. The Bavarians have won the last six Bundesliga titles, but they currently sit third in the table and nine adrift of leaders Dortmund.

They have lost just one of their last 13, but a bad run of results could see the Germans act quick due to their high standards as a 'super club'. As well as Mourinho, Arsene Wenger is nearly even money to join Bayern before August 2019.

Mourinho has been successful in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, so the chance to add Germany to that list could help lure him to the Allianz Arena .


Portugal's national team - 6/1

Cristiano Ronaldo completes his hat-trick for Portugal v Spain at the 2018 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo completes his hat-trick for Portugal v Spain at the 2018 World Cup

After being in club management for the last 18 years, Mourinho could be tempted to take a step back and go into international management.

Portugal still have Fernando Santos in charge, who guided them to Euro 2016 glory and next year's UEFA Nations League semi-finals.


Inter Milan - 8/1

Maurio Icardi celebrates his goal for Inter against Spurs
Maurio Icardi celebrates his goal for Inter against Spurs earlier this season

Another former club linked with Mourinho in recent days after they missed out on qualification for the Champions League knockout stages under Luciano Spalletti.

Mourinho enjoyed his two year spell at the San Siro from 2008, winning two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and Champions League before departing for Madrid.


Best of the rest

  • Juventus - 8/1
  • PSG - 8/1
  • AC Milan - 10/1
  • Arsenal - 10/1
  • No club or country by August 2020 - 10/1

Click here to see the list in full


Odds correct as of 1515 GMT on 18/12/18

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