Former England coach Gareth Southgate has been linked with Manchester United as potential replacement for manager Ruben Amorim.
Man United lost 3-1 at Brentford on Saturday afternoon, raising more questions about Amorim’s philosophy and uncertainty regarding his future.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes his reluctance to change his 3-4-2-1 formation ‘could be the undoing of him down the line‘.
Southgate, who has been jobless since leaving the Three Lions’ job, has reportedly had ‘direct contact‘ with Man United’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano via his YouTube channel has debunked the report, but claimed he could be a potential candidate if Amorim gets fired.
He said: “There are still no active talks between Man United and Gareth Southgate. We have these stories because of his very good personal connection with people at Ineos.
“I am not aware of talks, but from what I am told, Southgate could be one of the candidates if Man United decide to change their manager, but there would be more candidates interested in the Man United job.
“The relationship with Southgate is good, but it is not guaranteed that he will become United’s next manager. Let’s also respect Ruben Amorim and the timing of what Man United decide to do with their manager.”
Southgate did a brilliant job with England, guiding them to two major finals but was criticised for his style of play, raising doubts about his credentials to lead Man United back to glory.
His only club managerial spell was at Middlesbrough where he was sacked after getting them relegated to the Championship.
In addition, Romano also claims that Saudi Pro-League side Al Ittihad’s vacant managerial position could affect Man United’s next manager.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been linked with Al Ittihad and United have also been credited with an interest in him.
Although Romano claims Xavi would love to manage in the Premier League, United may miss out on him if he gets the Al Ittihad job.
Xavi won one La Liga at Barcelona but failed in his defence of the title and was eventually fired.
He also did terribly in the European competitions and there would be questions raised if United appoint him as Amorim’s successor.
