Gareth Southgate’s future has become a hot topic of discussion during the international break. The
England manager has been heavily linked with the
Manchester United hotseat. Southgate, whose contract with the
Football Association runs out in December, has been preparing his side for friendlies against
Brazil and
Belgium as they continue their warm-up for Euro 2024. Reports this week emerged saying that the 53-year-old had been made Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s No 1 target to replace Erik ten Hag as United manager, should he decide to sack the Dutchman. Ten Hag has come under increasing pressure after a disappointing season at Old Trafford , one that could still be salvaged by winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the
Champions League . LISTEN: Would you like Southgate at United? Our writers discuss READ MORE: Ill-suited or ticks all the boxes? Our panel has its say Even that, however, may not be enough to save Ten Hag. The Manchester Evening News reported last month that Ratcliffe and Ineos have been analysing managerial candidates should they decide to dispense with him. And while a decision has yet to be made on Ten Hag’s future, Southgate’s name continues to be in the mix, with the former Middlesbrough manager now the favourite with bookmakers . That news hasn’t gone down particularly well with United diehards, however. While some recognise the
Job Southgate has done with the England team in bringing about a massive culture shift, uniting different factions and promoting young players - while reaching the final of the last Euros for the first time in the nation's history - others believe he should have done more with a talented England squad, and believe he has a safety-first approach which wouldn’t suit United. The MEN conducted our own poll into whether fans would be happy if Southgate was appointed as Ten Hag’s successor, and the results were unanimous. Asked if they’d like to see Southgate as the next United manager, a stunning 93% said no. It sends a clear message to Ratcliffe, and more importantly Sir Dave Brailsford and Dan Ashworth. The latter two are big admirers of Southgate, with Ashworth - a former FA employee himself - valuing the long-term job he’s done with the Three Lions set-up. The dilemma comes from what is clearly a fanbase that doesn’t feel the same way. If United are to make such a seismic change in the summer, they need to get the appointment right. It has to be someone who has the stature and respect needed at such a huge club, someone who can take on
Pep Guardiola and whoever comes in at
Liverpool , but also someone who the supporters can get behind. As things stand, that isn’t Southgate. A strong Euros may change some people’s minds but in the meantime, the message from fans is loud and clear. Sign up to our FREE Man United newsletter here and never miss a story