Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held talks with Gareth Southgate, amidst uncertainty around Ruben Amorim’s future.
Gareth Southgate has emerged as a potential candidate to take over as the new Manchester United manager if they end up sanctioning the departure of Ruben Amorim. According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, the Red Devils’ co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has met the former England boss, with the Portuguese manager’s future up in the air.
Amorim took charge at Old Trafford towards the end of 2024. Since he was set to bring in major tactical changes, the Manchester-based giants were prepared to weather the storm. They ended up finishing 15th last season, their lowest ever finish in the Premier League.
Despite their struggles, the board backed Amorim in the summer and spent a significant fee to bolster their squad. However, the results are still going in their favour, as Manchester United have already lost three league games in the new season. Overall, they have only won nine league games in 33 outings under Amorim.
The numbers are simply not good enough for a team like Manchester United, and following their defeat to Brentford on the weekend, Amorim’s future has become a massive talking point. While the Red Devils want to back the Portuguese manager for as long as possible, the pressure continues to build on him.
Southgate could replace Amorim
If results do not go their way moving forward, Manchester United will have to eventually part ways with Ruben Amorim, as there has been little progress since he took charge. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already started looking at alternatives, and former England boss Gareth Southgate is one of the names on their wishlist.
Manchester United looked at the Englishman before appointing Amorim back in November. The Red Devils have revived their interest in Southgate, and their co-owner has met him to discuss the United job.
Gareth Southgate is ready to return to management, and an opportunity to sit on the hot seat at Old Trafford could certainly tempt him. However, a lot will depend on what Manchester United will do at home under the former Sporting CP boss in the coming weeks.