In a surprising twist, Gareth Southgate has become one of the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Erik ten Hag as the next permanent manager of Manchester United.
Should the current England manager be appointed, he would be the club’s first English manager in 38 years, adding historical significance to a pivotal period for United.
Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal today, United has installed Ruud van Nistelrooy as the interim manager, charged with stabilizing the team in the immediate future.
The move marks another major shift in United’s ongoing quest to restore its dominance, though the club’s board remains open to bringing in a high-profile, permanent replacement for ten Hag.
Journalist David Ornstein has indicated that his name was not initially taken seriously in discussions among United executives.
But according to TNT Sports, Southgate is one of the favourites and his appointment would mark a significant shift for United, who have not had an English manager since Ron Atkinson departed in 1986.
Gareth Southgate is one of the bookies’ favourites to become the next permanent manager of Man United.
He would become the club’s first English manager in 38 years pic.twitter.com/JgsBZ2QVoJ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 28, 2024
Southgate’s reputation as England’s national team manager, leading them to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final, has positioned him as a tactician able to manage high-profile players on the biggest stage.
However, his candidacy is not without controversy; some fans and analysts have expressed concerns over his limited club-level managerial experience and his generally conservative playing style.
As the search for Ten Hag’s permanent successor continues, the United board is also considering several other high-calibre coaches.
Leading names include Barcelona’s Xavi, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, and Julian Nagelsmann.
Each candidate brings a unique managerial profile and has experience and an established track record in European club football.
Despite the upheaval at the top, United’s leadership remains hopeful that van Nistelrooy’s temporary tenure will deliver an immediate “new-manager bounce” effect, helping the club navigate the current campaign with stability.
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