Manchester United are reportedly ‘highly unlikely’ to consider former England manager Gareth Southgate as a replacement for Erik ten Hag, even if they decide to part ways with their current head coach in the near future.
This revelation comes on the heels of Southgate’s recent announcement that he would step down as England’s manager following a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. This marked England’s second consecutive loss in a major tournament final, following their penalty shootout defeat to Italy in 2021.
Despite speculation linking Southgate to the Old Trafford job, Manchester United have shown a commitment to Erik ten Hag by extending his contract, which now runs until 2026.
This move signals the club’s intent to back the Dutchman and provide him with the necessary support to succeed. According to a report by the Daily Mail, even if Manchester United experience a rough start to the 2023/24 season, they are not likely to pursue Southgate as a replacement for Ten Hag.
Instead, the club would consider turning to Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea manager, who is currently with Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
Tuchel was among the names considered for the Manchester United job earlier in the summer before the club decided to extend Ten Hag’s contract. Despite his success with Chelsea, including a Champions League victory, Tuchel remains a potential candidate if the club finds itself in need of a managerial change.
The decision not to favor Southgate, despite his popularity among INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, indicates that Manchester United are focusing on other options to ensure the team’s success under Ten Hag. Southgate, who is well-respected for his work with the England national team, will not be the immediate choice for United’s managerial position.
Manchester United have been proactive in strengthening their squad to support Ten Hag. The club recently announced the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, providing additional options in attack. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the team’s capabilities and ensure they are competitive in all competitions.
Additionally, reports suggest that Manchester United are close to signing Lille defender Leny Yoro, ahead of Real Madrid. Yoro is expected to travel to England to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms, further bolstering the squad’s defensive options.
The commitment to Ten Hag and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad demonstrate Manchester United’s determination to build a successful team. While managerial changes are always a possibility in football, the club’s current focus is on giving Ten Hag the tools and support he needs to lead the team to success.
In the event of a managerial change, Thomas Tuchel is seen as a more likely candidate than Gareth Southgate, reflecting the club’s strategic priorities and long-term planning.
