Amorim is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford as he approaches a year in charge, still to win back-to-back games having collected just 33 points from 34 games. ..Continue Reading
The Portuguese coach still has the backing of the board who believe there is still time to turn things around but a shortlist of possible replacements has been drawn up.
Southgate has long been linked with the United job and was strongly considered before the club landed on Amorim last year.
Dan Ashworth, brought in as sporting director in the summer of 2024, endorsed appointing the former England boss following the decision to sack Erik ten Hag but was ultimately overruled by chief executive Omar Berrara, who preferred Amorim. Ashworth left his role after just five months at the helm.
Southgate has been out of management since leaving his England post in the wake of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
While he would be open to taking the job in Manchester, there would be conditions.
United have appointed six permanent managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, spending over £60m in payouts over the last 12 years.
The Sun report Southgate is fully aware of the size of the task at hand and believes it would take up to four years to rebuild United into Premier League title contenders again.
Southgate would therefore demand assurances he will be given time to implement a long-term plan without fear of the sack.
The 55-year-old has not managed at club level since Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009 but believes a plan based on gradual improvement any change over time is the key to restoring United to their former glories.
United take on newly-promoted Sunderland in their final match before the October international break on Saturday afternoon.
Another setback could have huge ramifications for Amorim with a trip to Anfield awaiting on 19 October.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola have also emerged as candidates for the job should United opt to make a change.
‘I just don’t know what’s going on,’ club legend Wayne Rooney said this week. ‘I have tried my hand in management and it didn’t work out too well, I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he is still a young manager and I’m sure he still has a massive future.
‘But what’s going on at Man United – this is not Man United. I honestly hope he can turn it around and he does. But if you’re saying to me: “Do you believe he will?” then, after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.
‘I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence. There needs to be big changes in my opinion. Manager, players, whatever that is. Whatever it takes to get Manchester United back.’
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