Manchester United shock as Gareth Southgate rules out Old Trafford move
Manchester United have received a shock update on Gareth Southgate’s plans

Manchester United shock as Gareth Southgate rules out Old Trafford move

Manchester United’s season of uncertainty took another twist this week, as reports revealed that former England boss Gareth Southgate is not interested in taking charge at Old Trafford. The revelation comes at a time when current manager Ruben Amorim is battling mounting pressure after a stuttering start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Man Utd pressure builds as Ruben Amorim struggles

Ruben Amorim was hailed as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches when he swapped Lisbon for Manchester last year. He arrived with a glowing reputation from his work at Sporting, with many believing his tactical sharpness and ability to build modern, high-energy teams could be the answer to United’s long-standing problems.

But reality has been far more complicated. In 49 matches at the helm, Amorim has delivered just 18 wins. United are already out of the League Cup following an embarrassing early exit to League Two side Grimsby, and the club’s absence from European competition this season only adds to the sense of regression. The fans, already weary of promises of “rebuilds,” are running short on patience.

While Amorim has not yet lost the backing of the board, it is clear that performances on the pitch have not matched the lofty ambitions of new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. United’s inconsistencies—mixing spirited victories with flat and uninspired defeats—have created an air of instability. Inevitably, this has sparked renewed speculation over potential successors.

Gareth Southgate and the Man Utd links

Gareth Southgate England

Gareth Southgate England

For months, Gareth Southgate’s name has lingered in the background whenever the Old Trafford hot seat comes under scrutiny. The 55-year-old, who guided England to back-to-back European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, has long been viewed as a steadying influence—someone who understands the pressures of elite management, the English game, and how to create a culture of unity.

Southgate was linked with the United job during the dying days of Erik ten Hag’s reign in 2024. At the time, he made it clear he was focused on England and unwilling to depart ahead of Euro 2024. But once he stepped away from the national team following another run to a European final, speculation naturally reignited.

Now, however, a different picture has emerged. According to fresh reports, Southgate has no appetite to jump into the chaos of Old Trafford. Sources suggest he would reject an approach from United, insisting he is in no rush to return to frontline management.

Southgate’s new chapter

Instead of a quick return to the dugout, Southgate has taken on a variety of new projects. Recently knighted for his services to English football, he has agreed to host a new BBC show while also keeping a busy calendar of speaking engagements and motivational appearances. Those close to him suggest he is enjoying a chance to breathe after nearly a decade of international football pressure.

That said, Southgate has not closed the door entirely on future opportunities. He continues to attend Premier League matches, keeping himself plugged into the game, and is understood to be keeping his options open—whether inside football or beyond. But Manchester United, at least for now, is not on his radar.

Man Utd urged to consider Southgate anyway

Ruben Amorim Manchester United 2025-26

Ruben Amorim Manchester United 2025-26

Despite Southgate’s stance, there are prominent voices who believe United should not give up on the idea. Former England international Joe Cole, speaking recently about the situation at Old Trafford, argued that Southgate remains the “perfect man” to lead United out of their current malaise.

Cole explained that Amorim was highly regarded when he arrived, with many hailing him as a “messiah” figure capable of transforming United’s fortunes. But the Portuguese coach has found the Premier League a far harsher proving ground than expected.

Cole suggested that Southgate’s qualities—his ability to foster culture, his understanding of the league, and his diplomatic nature—make him a natural fit for a club in desperate need of stability. “It needs a culture change,” Cole said. “Southgate would have been the ideal candidate to work with Jim Ratcliffe and rebuild the environment at United.”

Amorim safe… for now

Despite the noise, Amorim is not on the verge of being sacked. Reports indicate he continues to enjoy the backing of the United hierarchy, who are wary of making another managerial change too quickly. The Portuguese coach is believed to still have time to turn things around, though the margins for error are narrowing.

A complicating factor is the cost of any dismissal. Amorim’s contract includes a hefty release clause, with compensation said to be in the region of £15 million. That financial barrier, coupled with the lack of an obvious successor willing to jump in, may buy him more time.

Nevertheless, the pressure remains intense. United supporters are growing restless, not only because of results but because of a sense that the club still lacks a clear direction. After years of turbulence since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, patience is running thin.

A defining stretch ahead for United

Looking forward, the coming weeks could prove defining for both Amorim and United’s season. With crucial fixtures against top-four rivals looming, and with the Premier League table already starting to take shape, United can ill-afford another slump.

If Amorim can steady the ship, he may yet prove the doubters wrong. But if results slide further, the pressure to make a change will only grow louder. And while Southgate may not be ready to answer United’s call right now, his name will surely continue to hover over Old Trafford until a long-term solution is finally found.

For now, United’s shock update on Gareth Southgate is clear: he won’t be walking through the door. Whether that leaves Amorim with an opportunity—or a reprieve—remains to be seen.

Leave a Reply

There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!