In a surprising turn of events, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has put forward Gareth Southgate as a potential successor to Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, leaving the club’s technical team reportedly ‘bemused’.
The Red Devils are enduring a tumultuous season under Amorim, the Portuguese on the precipice of an exit if fortunes don’t soon change. With United languishing in 14th place, following a woeful 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th, the pressure is palpable. Amorim’s tenure has been fraught, averaging just over a point per game in the Premier League.
Speculation mounts over Amorim’s future, with an impending clash against Sunderland before the international break potentially pivotal for his fate. Several names are linked with the United hot seat, including Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and notably, former England manager Gareth Southgate.
Since parting ways with England, Southgate has been without a managerial role, and his potential appointment has left some United supporters uneasy. Recent whispers, purportedly from a renowned X account managed by ‘five elite reporters’, suggest United’s technical team is ‘bemused’ by Ratcliffe’s inclusion of Southgate on the shortlist.
The statement on X read: “Exclusive. @ManUtd technical team who are in control over major footballing decisions for the club are bemused that Sir Gareth Southgate is added on the shortlist by Sir Jim Ratcliffe to replace Ruben Amorim.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has not entirely dismissed the prospect of Southgate being on United’s radar. However, he maintains that no direct contact regarding the position has occurred. On his YouTube channel, Romano stated: “I’m not aware of any meeting. I’m not aware of any direct contact. I’m not aware of any negotiation.”
“In Manchester United’s view, despite the links due to a good relationship with INEOS, no concrete negotiations have transpired.”
While the situation remains fluid, with upcoming fixtures critical for Amorim, it’s clear his position is precarious. Yet, it’s a wait-and-see scenario, as there’s no definitive move towards appointing Southgate, or any other manager, at this juncture.
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