Manchester United have received a shock update on Gareth Southgate’s plans as Ruben Amorim continues to see questions asked of how much longer he will remain in charge at Old Trafford. Change is being mooted as the Red Devils struggle to establish any kind of momentum and consistency. It has been suggested that former England manager Southgate will be in contention if a prominent Premier League managerial post opens up.
Movement at Old Trafford: Amorim pressure & Southgate links
Southgate was linked with United during Erik ten Hag’s troubled reign in Manchester. With the Dutch tactician fighting to save his job in March 2024, there was plenty of speculation to be found regarding supposed interest in a man that remained in international football at that point. Southgate is said to have made it clear that he would not be leaving a role with England ahead of Euro 2024.
He did, however, sever ties with the Three Lions after guiding them to another European Championship final. Ten Hag remained in charge of United at that stage, having overseen FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs during his two full seasons at the helm, but he was ushered through the exits at Old Trafford in October 2024. Reins were then passed on to highly-rated Portuguese coach Amorim.
AdvertisementGettySouthgate's stance: Response to talk of managerial return
He has endured a tough time in English football, picking up just 18 wins from 49 games in charge of United. The Red Devils are without European action this season, while a humbling League Cup defeat was suffered early in the 2025-26 campaign at the hands of League Two side Grimsby. Sack calls are growing in intensity once more as United consider more movement in their dugout.
According to , “Southgate would reject an approach from Manchester United” if Amorim were to be relieved of his duties. It is said that Southgate is “not in any rush to return to football”. He is, however, “keeping his options open – both within the game and outside”. The 55-year-old, who is now a knight of the realm, has agreed to host a new show for the BBC while filling most of his time with speaking engagements and motivational work.
Man Utd given 'perfect' Southgate advice
Southgate continues to attend plenty of prominent football fixtures, particularly in the Premier League, so has an eye across what is going on. He is close friends with Dan Ashworth, who is said to have been keen to bring the former Three Lions boss in alongside him at Old Trafford before seeing a forgettable stint as United’s sporting director cut short after just five months.
The Red Devils are being urged to keep Southgate in mind, with Premier League title-winning ex-England star Joe Cole having said of the former Middlesbrough boss returning to club management: “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.”
GettySafe for now: Latest on Amorim's future
The latest reports claim that Amorim retains the full support of his board for now. His position is not considered to be under imminent threat, despite positive results proving hard to come by. It is, however, apparent that a reversal in fortune is required in order for United to build towards what they hope will be a brighter future.
Talk of direct contact being made with Southgate has been played down, with it revealed that sacking Amorim would cost United around £15 million ($20m), but debate regarding who could be next to fill the most demanding of roles in Manchester continues to rage.