Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso was thought to be the hot name in the managerial market with Liverpool and Bayern preparing a straight shoot-out for their former midfielder.

However, he opted to stay at Leverkusen as Liverpool announced Arne Slot as the man to replace Jurgen Klopp while Vincent Kompany is expected to take over from Thomas Tuchel in Bavaria.

Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino went their separate ways by “mutual consent” and the Blues’ list of potential candidates to come in is similar to United’s.

Meanwhile, the Barca roller coaster appears to be stopping at Hansi Flick. Earlier in the campaign, club legend Xavi announced he would step down, only to be persuaded into staying before promptly being sacked just weeks later.

Juve dismissed Massimiliano Allegri just days after his Italian Cup win and Thiago Motta, who led Bologna to a Uefa Champions League place, is expected to come in, while Milan fans waved goodbye to Stefano Pioli this weekend as their search goes on.

Napoli, who will not be in continental action next season despite Italy having NINE participants, are heavily linked with Antonio Conte.

So which managers are on the market?

Mauricio Pochettino

Departed Chelsea with stock fairly high after overcoming a tricky start to leave them in sixth place.

Has been linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since his Tottenham Hotspur days. Could fate finally make it happen?

Thomas Tuchel

A return to Stamford Bridge, where he remains extremely popular, has been mooted, though it is unlikely given the manner of last season’s exit.

Reports suggest he is keen on a move to United, and is believed to be on their shortlist should Ten Hag go.

Roberto De Zerbi

Highly rated in football circles due to his intellectual footballing style.

Took Brighton into Europe for the first time and is a candidate for both Chelsea and United as well as Milan.

Ruben Amorim

Twice a title winner with Sporting CP in Portugal, where they are very much the third-biggest side.

Still just 39, he was a contender to replace Klopp and held talks to West Ham, while he has been looked at by Chelsea and United.

Thomas Frank

The Dane has earned plaudits for his impressive work at Brentford.

Has been linked with United and Chelsea, as well as Bayern, and was mooted for Liverpool before the arrival of Slot.

Kieran McKenna

Following back-to-back promotions to return Ipswich Town to the Premier League after 22 years, the 38-year-old is arguably the hottest property in English football.

A former assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United, he is among the favourites for the Old Trafford role, but is also a contender for the Brighton job and was on Chelsea’s initial shortlist.

Enzo Maresca

Pep Guardiola’s former assistant stormed to the Championship title with Leicester City last season.

The former Juventus midfielder is among the candidates for the Chelsea dugout.

Jose Mourinho

Yes, the Special One is still without a club.

The odds on him returning to Chelsea recently tumbled, though he is not reported to be on their managerial shortlist. A move to Turkish side Fenerbahce or to the Middle East remains most likely.

Erik ten Hag

A difficult campaign finished on a high with back-to-back wins in the Premier League and a tactical master plan to stop Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Reportedly turned down a move to Bayern to focus on United, and it is not yet clear whether he will leave. But should he go, one door now closed is that of former club Ajax, who have brought in 35-year-old Francesco Farioli from Nice.