Nicky Butt has swiftly been installed as the new favourite for the Preston job after leaving Man Utd on Wednesday.

Butt has spent the last nine years in various coaching and player development roles at United’s Academy, with The Athletic reporting that his decision to depart was influenced by the club’s recent appointment of John Murtough as football director.

Butt is also believed to have been frustrated at being overlooked for the new technical director position at United which was handed to his old teammate Darren Fletcher.

On the club’s official website Butt expressed a desire to go on and explore new opportunities, and a venture into the dugout could well be at the top of his list.

Preston are on the hunt for a new permanent boss after they parted ways with Alex Neil last Sunday.

The Championship club has since been linked with former players Gareth Ainsworth, Michael Appleton, and Callum Davidson; all three of whom are currently in work at Wycombe, Lincoln, and St Johnstone respectively.

Neil Harris and Daniel Stendel are in the mix too, while interim boss Frankie McAvoy has been placed in charge for the remainder of the season.

However, it’s Butt who now tops the pile at 6/4 (Bet Victor) in what would be his first senior managerial position.

At Man Utd, Butt played a key role in developing young talents; helping the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, and Mason Greenwood make the step up into the first team. 

A potential appointment at Preston would be viewed as a risk but Butt’s coaching experience and work with a new generation of Red Devils stars could open up a road into the Lilywhites first-team.

Butt will also inevitably be linked with a move to Salford City, the League Two club he part owns with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and the Neville brothers.

Earlier this week Salford axed Richie Wellens and placed Gary Bowyer in charge until the end of the season, with the latter then expected to return to his role at Derby U23s in the summer.

Speaking of Derby, @TomRodgersFJ reports that Butt could join the club in some capacity under Wayne Rooney who is currently managing the Rams.

There’s also been speculation that Roy Keane could return to management with Celtic with Butt as his No.2, while he’s a 33/1 outsider to get the job himself.

Scroll down for the full list of contenders for the Preston job