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Fabrizio Romano has provided an important update on Manchester United’s pursuit of England boss Gareth Southgate.
As United’s dreary season nears its end, the future of Erik ten Hag remains uncertain and suggestions that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are open to making a managerial change remain ongoing.
Ten Hag has overseen an extremely underwhelming campaign which at the moment, has United in seventh position in the Premier League after 12 defeats, five draws and 15 wins. Champions League qualification seems like a foregone conclusion and as it stands, the Red Devils are facing a fight to even attain Europa League football.
There is a real danger that the club could be in the conference league next term or even completely out of the continental competitions.
Ten Hag has repeatedly insisted that he’s on the same page as the new United co-owners and he sees himself in the Old Trafford dugout next season. However, his claim to remain in the hot seat was made even weaker after the team’s frustrating draw against Bournemouth on Saturday.
In yet another match, United were outplayed and were dominated by significantly weaker opponents. The 20-time English champions were very fortunate to get a share of the points at the Vitality Stadium.
Already, United have been linked to a multitude of potential Ten Hag replacements including Julian Nagelsmann, Thiago Motta, Zinedine Zidane, Graham Potter, Gary O’Neil, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim and of course, Southgate.
A previous report relayed that Southgate is Ratcliffe’s number one choice to become the next manager if Ten Hag were to be sacked.
The Peoples Person comprehensively explored why Southgate’s appointment would be the wrong move and why it would kickstart INEOS’ reign at the club on the wrong foot.
When asked about the rumours of a possible switch to United, the Three Lions boss branded them as disrespectful and refused to be drawn into addressing them.
However, it’s worrying that Southgate continues to be mentioned as a serious candidate for the United job.
Fabrizio Romano spoke to media network Men In Blazers and gave an update on the Southgate situation and whether INEOS have made any progress on that front.
The Italian journalist said, “There’s no contact between Gareth Southgate and Manchester United.”
“Southgate will not discard his England job before the Euros to manage United.”
While he did not definitively say that Southgate is not on the club’s radar, it’s slightly encouraging that talks have not been held with the 53-year-old coach.
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