Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes from 80/1 to ODDS-ON favorite for surprise manager job – and his old pal Roy Keane WILL NOT be impressed!

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as the shock favorite for a vacant managerial role.

The former Manchester United boss has not taken charge of a team since being sacked by the Red Devils in 2021, but has repeatedly said he wants to re-enter the industry.

He had managed Cardiff and Molde before becoming manager at United, and took over permanently when Jose Mourinho left three years before his departure.

Since then, in his media appearances, he has regularly spoken about his playing days at United, including linking up with Roy Keane and joining the former United captain on his Sky podcast ‘Stick to Football’.

The ex-striker’s return to management could also be closer than it seems, after he was reduced from 80/1 to favorite for a surprise job – which could have interested Keane.

The former Red Devils boss has not managed a team since leaving his former club in 2021.

Roy Keane, meanwhile, has expressed his desire to return to coaching at international level.

Internationally, the Republic of Ireland are looking for a new boss following the recent departure of Stephen Kenny, who left last year despite his contract not being renewed.

With no competitive matches before September, the nation has time to appoint their new manager, and it could well be Solskjaer.

Once an 80/1 outsider, he is now down to 8/15 favorite with Paddy Power, ahead of Steve Bruce (7/2) and interim boss John O’Shea (6/1).

Anthony Barry is fourth at 12/1, with Guy Poyet matching the odds and former Republic of Ireland assistant manager Keane at 14/1.

Keane had recently spoken on Stick to Football about his attraction to international football and how he enjoyed coaching a team at that level rather than at a club.

“I loved international football when I was a coach,” said the former midfielder. “I liked the dynamic where you’re not there every day and it’s not about bringing in players and dealing with the board every week or the academy. Yeah, it pleases.

“I enjoyed the dynamic when I was coaching Martin (O’Neill) with the Irish team. We’ve had a bit of success and when you have a bit of success it’s great, but obviously there are disappointments. So yes, that could be an option.

The two former players played together for nine years at Manchester United and remain good friends.

Keane was Solskjaer’s captain for a while as they enjoyed much success as players.

Steve Bruce (photo) has also been tipped as a candidate to fill the role following the departure of Stephen Kenny.

Although he has not been a manager since leaving Ipswich in 2011, Keane, Solskjaer’s former captain, was an assistant under O’Neill and a key part of his coaching staff between 2013 and 2018.

Solskjaer getting the job instead could lead to frustration for Keane, who has admitted he would be interested in the role.

He played with the Norwegian between 1996 and 2005 and was a regular defender for his friend when he was United manager.