Ruben Amorim's position as Manchester United manager is reportedly under increasing scrutiny following a string of disappointing results, including a recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford. The loss has intensified speculation about his future at Old Trafford, with some pundits and supporters questioning his ability to lead the team back to the top.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Amorim, reports have emerged linking former England manager Gareth Southgate with the Manchester United job. According to talkSPORT, Southgate is on a three-man shortlist to potentially replace Amorim and has already been in direct contact with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United's minority owner. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola are also reportedly on the shortlist.
Southgate, who resigned from his role as England manager in July 2024 after the Euro 2024 final, was previously considered for the Manchester United job before Amorim's appointment in November 2024. However, he was reportedly not keen on returning to club management at that time. Now, after being out of work for over a year, he might be tempted to return to the dugout.
Ratcliffe is said to be an admirer of Southgate. talkSPORT reports that Ratcliffe has contacted Southgate in recent weeks as pressure mounts on Amorim.
Amorim's struggles at Manchester United have been evident since his arrival. The team has lost 17 of their 33 Premier League matches under his management. Following the recent defeat to Brentford, Amorim lamented his team's lack of control, composure, and character. He also admitted that it "hurts a lot" to lose at a club like Manchester United. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has expressed concerns about Amorim's future, citing the team's poor performances and constant changes to the defensive lineup.
Despite the growing pressure and speculation, some reports suggest that Ratcliffe is still backing Amorim. It is believed that Ratcliffe and INEOS, the company he chairs, feel Amorim deserves more time to find the right combination after adding new players to the squad. However, Manchester United may be forced to act if results do not improve. It has been suggested that United are likely to hold off until November to make any move, which would minimize the compensation package required for Amorim, as he will have completed 12 months in charge. Sacking Amorim before the anniversary of his appointment would reportedly cost £12 million.
Southgate's potential appointment would bring a wealth of experience to Manchester United. During his eight years as England manager, he oversaw 102 games and led the team to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final. However, his only previous experience in club management was with Middlesbrough, where he managed from 2006 to 2009 and oversaw their relegation from the Premier League in the 2008/09 season.
