Former England boss Gareth Southgate has reportedly issued a key demand before potentially agreeing to succeed Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
Southgate an option for United
The spotlight is on Amorim amidst United’s extremely poor start to the 2025/26 season. United have picked up a mere seven points from their opening six games, with the club sitting in 14th place in the Premier League table.
Since replacing Erik ten Hag in November last year, Amorim has mustered just 34 points in the 33 top-flight games he has taken charge of. He has yet to clinch back-to-back victories.
Last weekend’s loss to Brentford sparked fresh speculation over Amorim’s future and despite INEOS’ insistence that his job is under no immediate risk, there is an acceptance that results and performances need to drastically improve.
Rumours are already rife that United are making contingency plans in case they need to pull the trigger. Some of the names that have surfaced include Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Michael Carrick (interim) and Southgate.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Southgate, once viewed by INEOS as a leading contender to succeed Ten Hag, no longer commands the same level of backing he did a year ago.
There were even claims that the 55-year-old would reject an approach from United if one was made. However, according to The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst, Southgate has not ruled out managing United, but his interest comes with one stipulation.
Southgate sets condition to take over at United
Luckhurst contends that Southgate will only accept the United job if he is afforded sufficient time to turn things around and make the 20-time English champions a competitive outfit once again.
“Southgate is open to discussing the possibility of taking over at United if the club part ways with struggling coach Ruben Amorim.”
“And well-placed sources say boyhood United fan Southgate believes it could take up to four years to make United contenders in the Champions League.”
“The former England manager would require assurances that the United hierarchy stick to any long-term plan they map out.”
Luckhurst adds that Southgate worries rapid progress at United could raise expectations too quickly, leaving him in a difficult position given his belief in steady, gradual development.
While he is interested in the United hot seat, Southgate is in no rush to return to management.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
