Pochettino has been seen as a long-term target for United because of his preference for attacking football and nurturing young talent, neither of which has been much in evidence at the club since the departure of Alex Ferguson in 2013.

With the Portuguese gone, United may make their move for the Spurs boss, who has taken his club to consecutive finishes in the top three but has yet to bring a trophy to North London.

The Argentine was offered at odds of 2/1 against - meaning one chance in three - within minutes of United announcing Mourinho's sacking.

Pochettino is closely followed at 4/1 against - or one chance in five - by former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who led the Spanish side to three successive Champions League titles.

Former United midfielder Michael Carrick, now a coach at the club, is quoted at 10/1, just behind former Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim, on 9/1.

It may be strange for some United fans to countenance but former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is at 20/1, the same as Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

United said they would appoint a caretaker while conducting a thorough recruitment process for a new full-time manager. Italian Antonio Conte (12/1) is out of work and previously succeeded Mourinho at Chelsea, going on to win the title.

Pochettino would be an expensive capture as he signed a new five-year deal at Spurs this year reportedly worth around 8.5 million pounds ($11 million).

The Tottenham coach also said last week that he was happy at the club and looking forward to leading them into their new stadium next year.