The bookies wasted little time in installing former Watford boss Boothroyd as their market leader, Victor Chandler going 3/1 while Sky Bet and William Hill both offered 4s.
The 37-year-old left Vicarage Road in November but has ties with United after spending a year at Elland Road as coach during the 2004-05 season.
Another former coach is Gus Poyet and he's a top-priced 5/1 with Hills.
John Sheridan, Billy Davies and Iain Dowie are other men in the frame looking at the early prices.