Here’s a sentence we never thought we’d write: punters are backing Sean Dyche to be the next Manchester United manager.

So much so, we have had to slash the odds of the Burnley boss succeeding Jose Mourinho – from 50/1 to 10/1 after a series of bets, making him third favourite.

Mourinho, meanwhile, is the favourite in our Sack Race market – he is 5/2 to be the next top-flight boss to depart their job.

Asked about the mark move on Dyche spokesman Paddy Power said: “Manchester United fans have grown tired of an old-school manager with an attritional and pragmatic style of play – so will surely be delighted to hear that the club’s board might be considering such a step-change in Sean Dyche.

“Many pundits often call for British bosses to get a chance at the top jobs, so this should please them, too.

“After all, what’s the worst that can happen if United take a supposedly over-achieving manager from a side that finishes the best of the rest?”

2/1 Zinedine Zidane

15/2 Antonio Conte

10/1 Sean Dyche

12/1 Mauricio Pochettino

14/1 Laurent Blanc

* All prices correct at time of posting.