Iconic Manchester United forward Eric Cantona has emerged as the bookies' surprise favourite to be installed as the club's first director of football.

The Red Devils intend to incorporate the new position in time for the summer window following their poor transfer activity in 2018.

Roma chief Monchi, ex-United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and former Tottenham Hotspur transfer guru Paul Mitchell have all been touted as possible candidates for the position.

According to Oddschecker, however, Cantona is the even-money favourite to take over at Old Trafford in the coming months, despite being out of the game since retiring in 1997.

The 52-year-old won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during a memorable spell with United in the 1990s, earning him a place in club folklore.

Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: "Manchester United's need for some direction at board room level has never been clearer, so it would be a brave decision to hire Cantona despite his legendary status.

"With Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in the Old Trafford director's box already, it would be a perplexing decision to bring the Frenchman into the role."

Fabio Paratici, Andrea Berta and Gary Neville have also been tipped to take the reins.