Gareth Southgate has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United to replace Ruben Amorim, as the Portuguese tactician finds himself under increasing pressure
Gareth Southgate would reportedly demand time and patience from the Manchester United board if he succeeds Ruben Amorim.
The former England manager is said to be debating whether United would be a good fit, in the event that the current head coach is let go. However, it’s suggested that Southgate would have concerns about joining the club and would require a four-year commitment to turn things around – a timeframe the board may not be prepared to offer.
According to The Sun, sources indicate that the lifelong United supporter would need assurances that the senior management would adhere to any long-term objectives set. The report also suggests that Southgate is worried that the board would expect immediate success from him, whereas his approach focuses on steady progress over an extended period.
The 55-year-old has been unemployed since resigning as England manager last summer, after leading the Three Lions to second place at Euro 2024 – losing 2-1 to Spain in the final. However, the ex-Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough star-turned-head coach has been linked with a managerial position at United since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in the club last February.
The MEN understands he has serious reservations about accepting the job. Southgate isn’t the only name linked with taking over from Amorim either.
Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler are rumoured to be in the running for the Old Trafford hot seat should Amorim leave, while football legends Zinedine Zidane and Xavi Hernandez have also been mentioned, reports the Mirror.
Despite this, there’s no indication that United are planning to part ways with Amorim as he nears his first anniversary at the helm. The Portuguese manager took charge after Erik ten Hag was sacked last October, but could only steer the club to a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League.
Amorim was given some leeway due to the fact he largely worked with the squad he inherited from Ten Hag, but he won’t be given the same allowances this season. That’s because the Red Devils’ board backed him significantly in the summer transfer window to make changes to fit his preferred 3-5-3 formation, as well as providing a full pre-season tour to get his team in shape.
Despite a poor performance, Amorim was given some leeway as he largely worked with the squad he inherited from his Dutch predecessor. However, this time around, the 40-year-old won’t have the same excuses.
United currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after six matches, boasting only two victories and one draw. With an upcoming match against a high-performing Sunderland on Saturday, October 4, and fixtures against Liverpool, Brighton, and Tottenham looming, the situation could worsen for the head coach in the coming weeks.
Southgate hasn’t managed in the Premier League since Middlesbrough’s relegation from the top tier of English football in 2009. Instead, he shifted his focus to international management with England in 2013, initially taking charge of the U21 side before being promoted to the first team three years later.
Although he didn’t secure a major trophy with the Three Lions, he successfully led them to runner-up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, as well as a third-place finish in the UEFA Nations League in 2018/19.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
2025-10-03 09:05:15
