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Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United has come under major scrutiny this week after a shocking start to the new campaign has left United 14th in the Premier League.
United have mustered a paltry five goals from their seven league games and are without a win in Europe, after a couple of disappointing draws opened their Europa League account for the season.
Naturally, the rumour mill is in overdrive with potential replacements for the Dutchman should INEOS pull decide to pull the trigger before United’s next game.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate is a well-known favourite of the new minority owners but the 54-year-old has firmly distanced himself from the role.
As reported by Sky Sports, Southgate says he will not be coaching anywhere in the next year as he recuperates from his role with with the national side.
“I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.
I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time,” he said.
Despite leading England to two major finals, Southgate couldn’t find the formula to get the Three Lions over the line, with his cautious approach being blamed for the failure at the final hurdles.
The potential of Southgate at Old Trafford hasn’t been met with much support from United fans who are largely in agreement that INEOS are better served looking elsewhere.
After no direct news coming from the pre-planned meeting between the head figures at United earlier this week, it looks as though Ten Hag is going to survive the chop in the coming days.
Should the Dutch coach get to the end of the season it may open up the door for Southgate once more but given United’s lack of improvement this season, the likelihood of that is diminishing with each passing game.
Ten Hag will be well aware of the need for improvement after the international break when Brentford visit Old Trafford in the Premier League.
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