According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Manchester United has identified England manager Gareth Southgate as a possible replacement for manager Erik ten Hag because of his close ties to both Sir Dave Brailsford, the head of sport at INEOS, and Dougie Freedman, the potential head of recruitment for the Old Trafford giants.

Following extensive talks with the Glazer family and approval from the Football Association and Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% share in the Red Devils last month marked the beginning of a new era for the team. As a result, the chief executive of INEOS is now seeking to establish himself in the boardroom.

Amidst a continuous internal reorganisation, Manchester United is getting ready to formally pursue Crystal Palace sporting director Freedman, having identified him as their primary goal to succeed him as head of recruiting. Ten Hag’s long-term future in the dugout is also in question.

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Gareth Southgate, the England manager, is yelling commands from the touchline.
Southgate, according to GMS sources, has worked his way onto Manchester United’s radar because he is close to Freedman and already knows Brailsford well. He also fits the bill because Ratcliffe wants to replace ten Hag in the summer with a manager who is a deep thinker rather than one who makes snap decisions.

The strong bonds he has formed with members of his England team, which includes Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw of the Red Devils, have impressed INEOS, and they are also taking the former Middlesbrough manager into consideration. They believe the relationships forged with the playing staff will be crucial as they pursue silverware.

Comparing Gareth Southgate’s Premier League managing record against Erik ten Hag

Southgate, Gareth

Erik ten Hag

Lighters

114

65

Accomplished

29

37

Sketched

33

8

Lost

52

20

Objectives for

115

95

Objectives against

159

82

Points for each match

1.05

1.83

Data accurate as of July 3, 2024

The fact that Southgate won’t be available until after Euro 2024 is a bone of contention for Manchester United. This implies that he could not be able to assume leadership until July, well after preseason has already begun. His lack of club football experience could also work against him.

The Red Devils are trying to make preparations for the upcoming season, so the 53-year-old’s possible late arrival would not be ideal, but GMS sources understand it could not be a deal-breaker if he is selected as their top option to take over as manager.

Graham Potter, who has been unemployed for nearly a year after being fired by Chelsea in April, is also a candidate to succeed ten Hag. Southgate, who has been dubbed “amazing” by Manchester United center-back Maguire, is not the only manager in the running to succeed ten Hag.

Unlike some other bosses on the INEOS shortlist, Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi is being considered ahead of the Red Devils should they decide to go in a different direction. Ratcliffe is aware that he may have to fight to appoint the Italian tactician, which could work in Southgate’s favour if the new board members decide to wield the axe in the coming months.

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Thomas Frank, the manager of Brentford, observes from the sidelines.
Thomas Frank, the head of Brentford, is reportedly being connected to the Manchester United position as well, according to ESPN. Brailsford is in charge of the structural assessment behind the scenes, having already spent months supervising an audit of the team’s recent player recruiting.

The Danish tactician, who has led the Bees into the first level and recorded a 1.27 points-per-game ratio, is said to have captured INEOS’ attention after assembling a dynamic squad at the Gtech Community Stadium and adopting the data-driven transfer policy of the west Londoners.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a minority shareholder in Manchester United, and Dougie Freedman, the sporting director of Crystal Palace, are both in attendance. Ratcliffe and other United officials have also had internal talks about a possible move for Thiago Motta, who is currently in charge of Serie A team Bologna. However, Southgate is firmly in the Red Devils’ sights as they consider whether to fire ten Hag.