The 37-year-old came out of left-field when he was appointed in August 2021 from Belgian second division side Lommel to replace Russell Martin.
But with the club in 23rd in League One and needing an upturn in fortunes, it may be that Sporting Director is forced to go with a more experienced manager to get them out of trouble.
Needless to say, the bookmakers already have some interesting choices and names linked to the job – here are the early frontrunners and odds according to BetVictor.
. MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: A general view of the dugout before the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and Oldham Athletic at StadiumMK on October 21, 2017 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Harry Hubbard/Getty Images)
Who will be next in the MK Dons hotseat after it was vacated by Liam Manning on Sunday? Photo: Harry Hubbard
. Darren Ferguson - 4/1
The former Peterborough United and Doncaster Rovers is the early frontrunner to replace Liam Manning. Out of work since he was sacked from Posh in February. Photo: Mark Thompson
. Leam Richardson - 8/1
Richardson has been out of work since leaving Wigan last month, just a few weeks after he signed a long-term contract with the club. He guided the Latics from the foot of League One to promotion a year later Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
. Marc Bircham - 10/1
The former Canada international is currently first team coach for Serie B side Como, where he works under Gennaro Gattuso. Has decent pedigree as an assistant manager at the likes of QPR, Millwall and was Technical Director for the Bahamas in 2020/21 too. Photo: Dan Mullan
1. Darren Ferguson - 4/1
The former Peterborough United and Doncaster Rovers is the early frontrunner to replace Liam Manning. Out of work since he was sacked from Posh in February. Photo: Mark Thompson
2. Leam Richardson - 8/1
Richardson has been out of work since leaving Wigan last month, just a few weeks after he signed a long-term contract with the club. He guided the Latics from the foot of League One to promotion a year later Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
3. Marc Bircham - 10/1
The former Canada international is currently first team coach for Serie B side Como, where he works under Gennaro Gattuso. Has decent pedigree as an assistant manager at the likes of QPR, Millwall and was Technical Director for the Bahamas in 2020/21 too. Photo: Dan Mullan
4. Brian Barry-Murphy - 12/1
Spent two years as Rochdale manager before being sacked at Spotland in 2021. Not long out of work though, Barry-Murphy was snapped up by Manchester City's Elite Development Squad where he remains manager. Photo: Pete Norton