‘I’ve been told…’: Man United plot Gareth Southgate move after Michael Carrick latest
Manchester United could approach Gareth Southgate to become part of their backroom staff despite no longer viewing him as an option to be their next manager.
Southgate has been heavily tipped to become the next permanent manager at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils have opted to look elswhere.
Michael Carrick remains the favourite, despite suffering his first loss as interim boss in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, but the former England boss is still on United’s radar.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Southgate could be offered a higher-up role to utilise his experience and guidance.
The arrival of his long-time assistant Steve Holland as part of Carrick’s backroom staff could be seen as a hint to the appointment, but Man United still want an elite manager.
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Brown told Football Insider on 3 March that Man United are not considering hiring Southgate as things stand, despite his recent hint at a return to management.
However, with the former England boss potentially looking for a return to football, it has been suggested that United could reignite plans for his appointment in a new role.
“It’s an interesting one with Gareth Southgate,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I was told a while ago that they were considering Southgate as an option, not to come in as the new manager, but for a new role higher up.
“They value his expertise and experience and feel he would lend himself well to an advisory role or as part of the backroom staff, that kind of thing.
“This was before they went and got Dan Ashworth in, so a while ago, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they were still considering bringing him in.
“Especially if he’s looking for a return to football, it would allow him to be involved without the stress and the pressure of being a full-time manager.
“They’ve made a couple of decisions recently, with Steve Holland coming in and things like that, which could set it up nicely for him to come in as well as a new manager.
“It looks like it will probably be Carrick, they haven’t made a decision yet, but whoever it is, the club would probably benefit from somebody like Southgate being there.”
Who will be the next Man United manager?
With Southgate seemingly out of the running, United remain keen to appoint a top-class manager at the end of the season as part of their ambitious plans.
Carrick’s form as the interim boss, with five wins, one draw and one defeat in six games, has placed him in a strong position to land the job in the summer.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 2 March that Benjamin Sesko has loved working under Carrick and is one of the key stars pushing for his appointment.
His appointment will likely be based on what he can achieve this season, with United now third in the Premier League table and aiming for Champions League football.
Should they miss out, the hierarchy would be expected to look elsewhere, but a strong end to their league campaign could solidify Carrick’s place at the helm.
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