Gary Neville has now shared his thoughts on a rumour he’s heard regarding something Manchester United could do.
All eyes are on Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford as the 71-year-old prepares for a crucial summer at Manchester United, amid doubts over the futures of several players, and also Erik ten Hag.
A story from the Telegraph claims that the Red Devils view Gareth Southgate as a serious option to replace the Dutchman this summer, with sources highlighting the fact Dan Ashworth helped to hire the 53-year-old for England in 2016.
Now, Gary Neville has shared his thoughts on that potential appointment…
Gary Neville reacts to Gareth Southgate rumours
It is safe to say the 49-year-old doesn’t want to see Southgate replace Ten Hag this summer.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville said: “I’ve come to the conclusion Southgate can’t happen. There is no way United can wait until July, when pre-season has already started. They look like they don’t know what they are doing and there is no way Gareth can announce before a major tournament that he is going to Manchester United.
“He won’t do that. There’s no way in a week’s time we will see an announcement saying Gareth is leaving England to go to Man United. That would just create absolute turbulence in the England squad for a month. He’s not going to do that for the players. That’s not happening.”
Neville is spot on.
Why Manchester United cannot waste any time
The Red Devils are in a situation where they need, not just a head coach, but a hands-on manager who is in place for the entire summer, so he can get involved in recruitment plans and truly get to the bottom of what’s going wrong.
UEFA EURO 2024 ends on Sunday 14th July, and with the Premier League typically starting in August, that would leave Southgate with hardly any time to instil a tactical philosophy, or have a say in transfers as his focus will obviously be on England.
The Evening Standard even believe Casemiro, Antony and two others could leave for Saudi Arabia, so the need for a manager to be involved in this squad overhaul is clear.
Ideally – if Ten Hag is going to be sacked – Ratcliffe needs a replacement hired almost as soon as the 2023/24 campaign ends, such is the magnitude of Manchester United’s mess.