Several Manchester United players reportedly support the idea of replacing current manager Erik ten Hag with England’s Gareth Southgate.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is poised to implement comprehensive changes at Old Trafford, is believed to be considering Southgate for the managerial role.
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According to The Daily Star, Southgate tops the list of candidates favored by the new INEOS leadership to succeed Ten Hag.
Southgate, a former Middlesbrough player and manager, is set to lead England in Euro 2024. However, his commitment to the Football Association (FA) beyond his contract, which ends in December, remains uncertain.
Ratcliffe is eager for Southgate to decide on his future as he envisions a fresh chapter of football at United. He has also consulted with several influential figures at the club regarding this matter.
Southgate enjoys support from within the United squad, and Dan Ashworth, the incoming director of football who previously collaborated with Southgate at the FA, has endorsed the potential appointment.
Ashworth is currently on gardening leave from Newcastle United due to Manchester United’s interest. While the two clubs have not yet agreed on a compensation fee for Ashworth’s move to Old Trafford, it is anticipated that he will join the club.
Ten Hag’s potential departure might not be unexpected, given his confrontations with notable players. His dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo resulted in Ronaldo’s departure to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Ten Hag had a falling out with Jadon Sancho, leading to Sancho’s loan return to Borussia Dortmund.
Christian Eriksen has also expressed dissatisfaction with his situation after talks with Ten Hag.
Nonetheless, there is no clear indication that Sancho or Eriksen specifically favor Southgate over Ten Hag.
“I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night,” Eriksen told Danish outlet Tipsbladet.
“I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.
“He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie (Mainoo) is doing well and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team.
“Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. Naturally, you don’t want to always sit on the bench. I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now.”
