Gareth Southgate has reportedly set out two key conditions for taking the Manchester United manager's job, following the sudden dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The former England boss is among the leading contenders to take over at Old Trafford, but would demand significant assurances from the club's hierarchy.
Amorim's Departure and Southgate's Potential Terms
Manchester United confirmed the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, ending his 14-month tenure. The club stated the decision was made to boost their Premier League performance, with the team currently sitting sixth and European qualification still a possibility.
Amorim's position became unstable after a 1-1 draw with Leeds, where he hinted at a potential exit when his contract expired in 18 months. The Portuguese coach, appointed by Ineos in November 2024, had consistently insisted on being recognised as the 'manager' rather than just 'head coach'.
Into this vacancy steps the spectre of Gareth Southgate. According to reports from last October, the 55-year-old would demand a four-year commitment from United's board to allow him time to rebuild the squad and implement his vision. Furthermore, as a boyhood United fan, Southgate is said to seek iron-clad guarantees that the club's leadership would support a long-term project without demanding instant success.
The Southgate Conundrum: Patience vs. Pressure
Southgate's reservations are rooted in the perceived impatience at the top of the club. Sources suggest he fears the board would expect immediate trophies, while his philosophy is built on gradual, sustained improvement over several seasons. This approach mirrors his time with England, where he built a cohesive squad that reached the Euro 2024 final, losing 2-1 to Spain.
Southgate has been out of work since stepping down after that tournament. His links to the United job have persisted since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group purchased a minority stake in the club in February 2024. However, Mirror Football understands the former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender still harbours serious doubts about accepting one of football's most pressurised roles.
A Crowded Field of Contenders
Southgate is far from the only name in the frame to succeed Amorim. The managerial market is already buzzing with alternatives. Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler are rumoured to be favourites for the position, bringing impressive Premier League pedigrees.
In a sign of the job's global prestige, legendary figures like Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane and Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez have also been loosely linked. The club's statement thanked Amorim for his contribution, notably leading the team to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May, and confirmed that Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge for the midweek fixture against Burnley.
The coming weeks will be critical for Manchester United's direction. The board must decide whether to embrace a patient, long-term project under a figure like Southgate or opt for a different tactical profile. With the club seeking its seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2013 retirement, the decision carries immense weight for the future of the Premier League giants.
