Man United hero installed as favourite to be next Leicester City manager as Marti Cifuentes sack looms
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Man United Hero Installed as Favourite to be Next Leicester City Manager Amid Marti Cifuentes Sack Development
A former Manchester United star has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Martí Cifuentes at Leicester City, as the Spanish manager faces mounting pressure following a dismal run in the EFL Championship.
Cifuentes, appointed Leicester boss on 15 July 2025 on a three-year deal, has overseen a turbulent spell at the King Power Stadium. As of 1 January 2026, his side languishes in the lower reaches of the table, with recent results fueling speculation of an imminent sacking. The 43-year-old's tenure echoes his brief stints elsewhere: he averaged 1.51 points per game at Danish side AaB before departing mid-2021–22, and left Queens Park Rangers by mutual consent on 24 June 2025 after just one season.
Leicester's woes intensified after a poor festive period, prompting club chiefs to explore replacements. Betting markets have installed Ruud van Nistelrooy, the ex-Man United hero, as the clear favourite at odds of 2/1. The Dutchman, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006, has been out of management since leaving Leicester's East Midlands rivals in 2024. His pedigree includes Champions League triumphs and a reputation for clinical finishing, making him an attractive option for the Foxes' survival bid.
Van Nistelrooy's links to English football run deep, having mentored talents at United's academy post-retirement. Insiders suggest Leicester's hierarchy views him as the ideal candidate to instill a winning mentality and firepower upfront. Alternatives like West Brom's Carlos Corberán (5/1) and free agent Steve Cooper (6/1) trail in the market, but Van Nistelrooy's odds shortened dramatically amid reports of advanced talks.
Cifuentes' exit looms large, with sources confirming the board's patience has worn thin after back-to-back defeats. A decision is expected within days, potentially before Leicester's next fixture. The club, relegated last season, desperately needs stability to mount a promotion push.
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