Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United continue to face scrutiny over Ruben Amorim’s tenure following only 18 wins from 49 matches
- Circulating reports claim that Gareth Southgate would turn down an approach from United if Amorim departs
- Severing ties with Amorim would reportedly cost Manchester United approximately £15 million ($20m)
Managerial Uncertainty at Old Trafford
Manchester United have been confronted with uncertainty over their managerial position, as Ruben Amorim experiences growing pressure due to inconsistent form. Conversations regarding potential successors have reignited, with Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, emerging as a figure of interest should a senior Premier League opportunity present itself.
Southgate’s Recent Track Record and Approach to Management
During a turbulent period for United under Erik ten Hag, Southgate’s name was connected to the club amidst speculation over the Dutchman’s future in March 2024. At that point, Southgate was still focused on his international responsibilities and had expressed no desire to exit his England role before Euro 2024. He ultimately ended his spell with England after leading the Three Lions to another European Championship final.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Former England boss Gareth Southgate would reject an approach from Manchester United if Ruben Amorim is sacked.
(Source: @MirrorFootball) pic.twitter.com/NYhK6ezMUq
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 2, 2025
Ten Hag, after securing both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup across his two full seasons, exited Old Trafford in October 2024. Amorim, regarded as a promising Portuguese coach, took over the reins but has encountered a difficult start, managing only 18 victories from 49 fixtures. Manchester United missed out on European qualification for the current season and suffered a significant League Cup setback early in the 2025-26 campaign against League Two side Grimsby.
Southgate’s Response and Current Endeavours
Calls for a managerial change are escalating at Old Trafford. However, The Mirror has disclosed: “Southgate would reject an approach from Manchester United” should United part ways with Amorim. The publication further notes Southgate is “not in any rush to return to football”. Instead, he is “keeping his options open – both within the game and outside”. The 55-year-old, who now holds a knighthood, has committed to a new presenting role with the BBC while engaging in public speaking and motivational activities.
Club Connections and External Endorsements
Though Southgate continues to attend prominent Premier League fixtures and maintains contact with club football, he is also known for his close relationship with Dan Ashworth, the former United sporting director who departed after five months. Ashworth was reported to be eager to recruit Southgate to the club during his brief tenure.
Joe Cole, former England international and a Premier League title winner, commented on the managerial situation: “He [Amorim] was the bright young spark, people were talking about him like he was the messiah coming into Manchester United and would sort everything out. That’s how high his stock was when he left Lisbon.
“So, he’s clearly a good manager as well, but the mix and the blend of the whole situation, I think it needs a culture change. I thought Gareth Southgate was the perfect man for the job at the state it was in terms of building culture, understanding the club, understanding the league, understanding the players, working with Jim Ratcliffe and people like that, and they went with Amorim, and it doesn’t look like it’s working.”
Assessment of Amorim’s Position and Future Prospects
Despite mounting frustration from the fanbase and the broader football community, current reports indicate Amorim still enjoys the backing of the Manchester United board. His position is not considered to be under immediate threat, though a run of improved results is seen as essential if the club aspires to a more promising future.
Speculation over direct talks with Southgate has been dismissed. Meanwhile, the financial implications of removing Amorim are significant, with reports citing a potential cost of about £15 million ($20m). The debate over the next possible manager at Old Trafford remains highly active amidst United’s ongoing challenges.
