Manchester United is currently evaluating three potential replacements for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, with Gareth Southgate being one of them.
Ten Hag has faced difficulties at Manchester United this season, prompting Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new minority owner, to explore managerial options for the summer.
According to ESPN, the club is examining various options to assess their qualifications and availability.
Ratcliffe and Ineos are considering three managers: Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton, and Thomas Frank from Brentford.
While there is significant interest in De Zerbi from various teams like Chelsea, Barcelona, and Liverpool, Frank’s success at Brentford might be overshadowed at Old Trafford.
Despite not being actively involved in club football since 2009 after leaving Middlesbrough, Southgate remains a contender.
His close working relationship with Dan Ashworth, who is set to become Manchester United’s sporting director, could be influential.
Even though England’s UEFA coefficient suggests that a fifth-place finish would be enough for Champions League qualification, it remains uncertain as United would need to make up a six-point gap with Tottenham.
Reports suggest that Ten Hag’s reputation remains strong in Europe, particularly in Germany, where clubs like Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Vfb Stuttgart may be interested in hiring him after the current season concludes.
