Ex-Man Utd star shock favourite for top Arsenal job after infamous 'Battle of Old Trafford' role

It is all change on one side of as Jonas Eidevall has stepped down as head coach of the .

A poor start to the Women's Super League has seen the Gunners pick up just one win in the opening four games, following on from underwhelming third place finishes in back-to-back seasons.

Renee Slegers will take charge of the team on an interim basis, with sporting director confirming that the club were now looking for the top candidate to fill the role on a permanent basis.

Edu said: "We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.

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"We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women. We all wish him the very best for the future.

"Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new Head Coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renee, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week."

While there will naturally be a long list of potential candidates for the role, a surprising one has been made favourite with the bookies to take on the job: former Manchester United and Everton defender .

According to , Neville is the current 3/1 favourite to take over at Arsenal, leading the likes of Casey Stone (6/1), Jack Wilshere (8/1) and Renee Slegers (10/1), with Serina Weigmann trailing at 12/1.

The 47-year-old infamously played a role in the 'Battle of Old Trafford' as Arsenal and Man Utd took part in a bitter Premier League encounter back in 2003. But since ending his playing career in 2013, Neville has carved out a strong start to a coaching career.

Having worked as a coach for the England Under-21s, Neville joined up with David Moyes when the ex-Everton man took charge at Manchester United, replacing Sir Alex Ferguson following his retirement. He then took a role as an assistant at Valencia, before his first big job as a head coach.

That of course came in charge of England's Women's team in 2018. He was ultimately unable to help his side win the World Cup in 2019, falling to defeat in the semi-finals against the USA. After some more adverse results, Neville eventually stepped down in 2021 to take the job as head-coach at MLS side Inter Miami.

It was ultimately an unsuccessful spell for Neville in Miami, lasting two seasons before being relieved of his duties in 2022. But since November 2023, Neville has been in charge at Portland Timbers. Whether Neville will consider leaving for the Arsenal job remains to be seen.