Manchester United Rumors: Will Alex Ferguson Return To Sideline At Old Trafford If Club Sacks First-Year Boss David Moyes?

Following a 2-0 loss to Olympiakos in the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, the job status of first-year Manchester United boss David Moyes has become a hot topic of conversation. While many believed the former Everton manager was already on the hot seat due to United’s continued struggles in the Barclays Premier League just a season removed from a championship, discussions elevated after the loss in Greece to the point where a legendary figured is being linked with a possible return to the sideline.

Currently sitting sixth in the competitive Premier League standings through 27 matches, Manchester United is no longer in the race for the top spot, with strong powers including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool battling for the No. 1 slot. Though the Red Devils still have the opportunity to earn a top four position -- which would earn them a place at next season’s UEFA Champions League -- United remains 11 points shy of fourth place Liverpool and it is because of those current standings that Moyes may not make it through the complete season at Old Trafford.

If Moyes is eventually sacked, multiple sources indicate that former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson -- who stepped away from the sidelines last season after 26 trophy-filled seasons -- could leave his current directorial role with the organization to rejoin his former players as boss. Claiming a total of 38 trophies while at Old Trafford including 13 Premier League and 2 UCL titles, Ferguson was easily one of the most decorated managers the game has ever seen and many Old Trafford loyalists would love to see him step back in the spotlight to correct the ongoing problems experienced since his retirement.

According to Oddschecker.com, the 72-year-old Glasgow native is the leading candidate to replace David Moyes should he be relieved of his duties. Other high profile coaches remain linked to Manchester United as well, with Sky Bet even noting that Moyes will be the next Premier League manager to lose his post.

Current Bayern Munich leader Pep Guardiola -- who led the Bundesliga giants to the 2012-2013 Champions League title -- is viewed as a possible solution while Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and current Manchester United player-coach Ryan Giggs have been mentioned as possible heirs to the Old Trafford coaching throne.

For now, Manchester United will focus on returning to Premier League play before wrapping up their Round of 16 UCL series with Olympiakos on March 19.