Gareth Southgate is being highlighted as a prime candidate to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, with undisclosed factors contributing to his favoritism.
While Southgate is currently focused on England’s Euro 2024 preparations, there’s speculation about a dramatic shift back to club management for him next season.
Reports suggest that Southgate, 53, is a leading contender to take over at Old Trafford if Ten Hag is released after this season’s campaign.
Manchester United, currently sixth in the Premier League and out of European competition early, has its new minority owner, INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, evaluating whether Ten Hag can restore the club’s past successes.
INEOS’s sports director, Sir Dave Brailsford, and the anticipated future director of football, Dan Ashworth, see Southgate as the perfect fit for the managerial position if Ten Hag’s tenure ends.
The pre-existing relationships between Brailsford, Ashworth, and Southgate, fostered through INEOS’s sports programs and the Football Association, are influencing factors.
ESPN reports an additional appeal for Southgate’s candidacy: the financial aspect. Securing Southgate would cost less than £1 million in compensation for his current England contract, which is set to expire in December, making him a more economical option than other high-profile managers.
Moreover, Southgate’s efforts in cultivating a positive team culture and unity within the England squad are qualities that Manchester United’s leadership believes are necessary for the club’s extensive rebuilding process.
Southgate has remained non-committal about his future plans, with uncertainty over whether he will continue with England until the 2026 World Cup.