Roy Keane and Gary Neville on Gareth Southgate’s Potential Move to Manchester United
Roy Keane and Gary Neville have expressed their thoughts on the possibility of England boss Gareth Southgate taking over as the next manager of Manchester United, succeeding Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s Future at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s position at Manchester United has come under scrutiny following Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority stake in the club, with the team currently occupying the sixth spot in the Premier League standings.
Speculations and Connections
United is rumored to be considering appointing Newcastle’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who has a history of working with Southgate at the Football Association.
Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, Keane mentioned the potential of Southgate taking on the managerial role at United, citing his connection with Ashworth as a factor.
Neville, on the other hand, initially did not see Southgate as a fit for the Manchester United manager position but has reconsidered his stance following Ashworth’s involvement.
Manchester United’s Current Standing
Manchester United, currently sixth in the Premier League, faces questions about what Erik ten Hag needs to do to secure his position as the club’s manager, including potential achievements in the FA Cup and securing a top-four or top-five finish in the league.
United is set to play Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals next month, trailing behind fifth-placed Tottenham by six points and fourth-placed Aston Villa by nine points.
Gareth Southgate’s Track Record
This summer’s Euros in Germany will mark England’s fourth major tournament under Southgate’s leadership. Southgate has guided England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the runners-up position at the 2021 European Championship, and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Neville emphasized the need for a smooth transition if Southgate were to depart, highlighting the importance of appointing a new manager for England before the upcoming qualifiers post-tournament.
Overall, the potential move of Gareth Southgate to Manchester United could have implications for both clubs and the national team, requiring careful planning and consideration.