Manchester United is currently evaluating potential replacements for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, with three options under consideration. Among them is Gareth Southgate, the current manager of the England national team. The club’s new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is exploring managerial options following ten Hag’s challenging season.
ESPN reports that Ineos, the club’s ownership group, is actively assessing the credentials and availability of potential replacements. The three managers in contention are Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton, and Thomas Frank from Brentford. De Zerbi, who has garnered interest from other top clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona, and Liverpool, is drawing attention.
While Frank, known for his success in building a high-energy team at Brentford with a data-led recruitment approach, is seen as a potential candidate, there are indications that he might be overlooked. Despite not playing club football since 2009, Southgate is still considered a contender. His future with the England national team beyond Euro 2024 remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding his candidacy.
Gareth Southgate’s close working relationship with Man United’s soon-to-be sports director, stemming from their time together at the FA, may play a crucial role in the decision-making process. Despite being an outsider for the job, Southgate’s managerial experience and the connection with the sports director could be influential.
United faces a challenge in qualifying for the Champions League, needing to catch up to Tottenham by six points. Even though ten Hag’s reputation remains high in Europe, with reported interest from clubs in Germany such as Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen, and Vfb Stuttgart, his potential departure from United seems imminent at the end of the season. The assessment of these managerial options will likely shape the future direction of Manchester United’s coaching staff.
