Could Gareth Southgate Be the Key to Man Utd’s Search for a New Manager?

Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, is reportedly on a shortlist to replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United's head coach. With a notable track record, including leading England to two major finals, Southgate's potential appointment could significantly impact the club's fortunes amidst a challenging season.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Gareth Southgate is a leading candidate to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
• Southgate has a strong managerial record with England, including two Euro finals.
• Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are also on United's shortlist.
• United currently sits 14th in the Premier League after a poor start to the season.
• Amorim's tenure has been marked by disappointing results and an early cup exit.

Gareth Southgate: A Brief Overview

Gareth Southgate, aged 55, enjoyed a successful eight-year spell as the manager of the England national team from 2016 to 2024. His leadership saw the team achieve remarkable success, notably finishing as runners-up in both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. This marked England's best performance in the World Cup since 1990 and their first major finals appearance since the 1966 World Cup.

Southgate's Achievements

Some of Southgate's key achievements include:

• Guiding England to the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
• Leading the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.
• Developing a squad that performed well in major tournaments, showcasing a blend of youth and experience.

The Manchester United Context

Manchester United's current situation is far from ideal. Under the management of Ruben Amorim, who took over in November 2024, the club has struggled significantly. Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League standings, United is just four points above the relegation zone, following a series of poor performances that have led to growing concerns about the club's direction.

Challenges Faced by Amorim

Amorim's tenure has been plagued by issues, including:

• A humiliating exit from the Carabao Cup to League Two side Grimsby Town.
• Failure to qualify for any European competition last season for the first time in a decade.
• Inconsistent performances in the league, including a recent 3-1 loss to Brentford.

Potential Candidates to Replace Amorim

Reports suggest that Southgate is not the only name being considered to take over from Amorim. Manchester United is also looking at Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, and Andoni Iraola, who is currently managing AFC Bournemouth. Both Glasner and Iraola have made significant impacts at their respective clubs.

Oliver Glasner's Impact at Crystal Palace

Glasner has led Crystal Palace to an impressive start in the current season, with the club sitting second in the Premier League table. His achievements include:

• Winning the FA Cup last season.
• Securing the Community Shield at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Andoni Iraola's Transformation of Bournemouth

Meanwhile, Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into genuine contenders in the league. Under his leadership:

• The team finished ninth in the Premier League last season, their best performance in history.
• Despite losing key players in the summer transfer window, Bournemouth has started the season strong, currently sitting fifth in the league.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

With pressure mounting on Amorim, the Manchester United hierarchy, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly considering a managerial change. Talks with Southgate are rumoured to have taken place, but it remains to be seen if he would be interested in the role, especially given his successful tenure with the Three Lions.

What a New Manager Could Bring

A new managerial appointment could bring fresh ideas and strategies, potentially rejuvenating a squad that has struggled for form. Southgate's experience in high-pressure environments might suit United's current needs, but whether he can replicate his international success at club level remains uncertain.

Conclusion

As Manchester United navigates a challenging season, the potential replacement of Ruben Amorim with Gareth Southgate or another candidate could be a pivotal moment for the club. With several key fixtures approaching, the decisions made by the club's leadership will be crucial in determining the team's trajectory for the remainder of the season. Will Manchester United manage to turn their fortunes around, or will they continue to face struggles on and off the pitch?

#ManchesterUnited #GarethSouthgate #PremierLeague

FAQs

Why is Gareth Southgate being considered for the Manchester United job?

Gareth Southgate is being considered due to his successful track record with England, where he led the team to major finals and delivered strong performances in international tournaments.

What challenges has Ruben Amorim faced at Manchester United?

Amorim has faced numerous challenges, including a poor league position, a humiliating cup exit, and failing to qualify for European competitions, leading to increased scrutiny of his management.

Who are the other candidates for the Manchester United head coach position?

Besides Gareth Southgate, the other candidates reportedly include Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace and Andoni Iraola from AFC Bournemouth, both of whom have had successful starts to the season.

What impact has Oliver Glasner had on Crystal Palace?

Oliver Glasner has significantly improved Crystal Palace's performance, leading them to a second-place position in the Premier League and winning both the FA Cup and the Community Shield in recent seasons.

Is Andoni Iraola's management style effective for Bournemouth?

Yes, Andoni Iraola's management style has proven effective, as he led Bournemouth to their best-ever league finish last season and continued their strong performance into this season, currently sitting fifth in the league.