Much to the majority of Manchester United fans’ dismay, Gareth Southgate is again being linked with the head coach job at Old Trafford.
The former England boss has come up in conversations regarding United on numerous occasions in recent years, but particularly since INEOS became co-owners of the club back in February 2024.
Is the writing on the wall for Ruben Amorim?
When Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties last October, the key decision-makers singled out Ruben Amorim as their first choice to succeed the Dutchman. They went as far as buying him out of his contract with Sporting Lisbon to bring him to Manchester almost midway through the 2024/2025 term.
Little did they know that less than a year later, the Portuguese coach would’ve returned a calamitous 34 points in 33 matches. United’s form is on par with teams who’d be on course to get relegated come spring next year; the side has sustained three defeats in the opening six Premier League matches thus far.
As things stand, it’s thought Amorim retains the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy, although you can only assume their faith will continue to dwindle the more they see performances akin to Saturday’s at the Gtech Community Stadium.
INEOS’ current stance on Southgate
Amid speculation that Southgate would be brought in to try and turn things around in M16, Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on whether he believes the Englishman is a plausible candidate.
“Gareth Southgate has always been in the rumours. If you remember even in summer 2024, when Manchester United decided to keep Erik ten Hag, and before they appointed Erik ten Hag, they had some candidates. Among these candidates was Roberto De Zerbi, who has always been very much appreciated by people at Manchester United before they decided to continue with Ten Hag.
“Another name was Gareth Southgate. Why Gareth Southgate? Because he has a very good relationship with people close to Ineos and with influential people in Ineos, and because he’s well known by those people, this is why the link is always around.
“There are still no active talks or conversations for Southgate to become the new Manchester United manager, but if we have these stories, it’s because of the good relationship with Ineos,” said Romano.
