England Boss Gareth Southgate is set to become the new manager of surprising Premier League club
Manchester United finds itself in a period of evaluation as they seek to navigate the departure of Erik ten Hag. Amidst this transitional phase, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s newly minted minority owner, is actively considering potential successors for the Dutchman ahead of the upcoming summer season.
According to sources cited by ESPN, the club is meticulously assessing three prominent managerial candidates: Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton, and Thomas Frank of Brentford. This thorough examination aims to scrutinize not only their credentials but also their availability for the coveted position at Old Trafford.
Among the trio, Gareth Southgate emerges as a noteworthy contender, despite his relatively distant association with club football, having not actively participated since his departure from Middlesbrough in 2009. Nonetheless, his tenure as the manager of the English national team has garnered admiration, with his future beyond Euro 2024 still uncertain.
Roberto De Zerbi’s name also features prominently in the discussions, with various clubs, including Chelsea, Barcelona, and Liverpool, expressing interest in his services. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s success in cultivating a high-energy squad at Brentford, coupled with his proficiency in data-driven recruitment strategies, positions him as a viable option, albeit potentially overlooked.
The relationship dynamics within the football fraternity also come into play, with Southgate’s previous collaboration with Ashworth, soon-to-be sports director of Manchester United, potentially influencing the decision-making process.
Despite the challenges posed by their current standing in the UEFA coefficient rankings, Manchester United remains determined to secure a spot in the Champions League, trailing behind Tottenham by six points. However, the allure of European giants such as Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Vfb Stuttgart may provide alternative prospects for Erik ten Hag as he contemplates his next managerial move post-Manchester United.
