Pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, with speculation that he will be sacked after a disappointing season. Despite finishing third last term and winning the League Cup, United’s progress has stalled in 2023-24, and they currently sit eighth in the Premier League table. The team’s confidence took a further blow with a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
As rumors swirl about Ten Hag’s future, Manchester United have reportedly compiled a shortlist of potential replacements, with England boss Gareth Southgate being one of the names mentioned. However, former United player Gary Neville believes that Southgate taking over at Old Trafford is unlikely.
Neville points out that other clubs, such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich, are also struggling to find suitable managers. He suggests that Manchester United cannot afford to wait until mid-July to make an announcement, as pre-season will have already started by then. Additionally, Southgate is unlikely to leave his role as England manager before the Euros, as it would create too much distraction for both the Football Association and the England players.
Neville emphasizes the need for stability and suggests that United should give Ten Hag another season to prove himself. He believes that an injury-free season could help United regain the standards of the previous campaign, where they won a trophy and finished in the top four.
Overall, the situation at Manchester United remains uncertain, with the club facing crucial decisions regarding their managerial position. While Southgate’s name has been thrown into the mix, Neville argues that it is unlikely to happen, and United may need to stick with Ten Hag for another season.