Man United next manager: Gareth Southgate makes sense when you analyse the link, says pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed he can see “very good manager” Gareth Southgate fitting into the “jigsaw puzzle” at Man United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
The former Tottenham and England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, acknowledged the 53-year-old would “split opinions” but insisted he would provide “stability in the long-term”.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (23 March) that Southgate is among several contenders to take over at Man United if Erik ten Hag is let go this summer.
However, it is believed he is not towards the top of their shortlist at this time despite links with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and Ratcliffe.
Southgate has been England’s manager since 2016 but is yet to break the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate appointment would ‘split opinion’ at Man United, says pundit
Ten Hag is under contract until June 2025 but is believed to be under threat of the sack under Man United’s new ownership.
Robinson told Football Insider: “We’re presuming that Gareth Southgate will leave England after the Euros.
“He’s got to the semi-final of the World Cup, final of the Euros – he’ll want to get them over the line.
“I couldn’t see him linked to Man United before Sir Jim Ratcliffe came in, but now he’s at the club with Brailsford and Ashworth – there’s a lot of links there.
“You could see him fitting in as part of the jigsaw puzzle.
“I wouldn’t worry about him being out of the loop in domestic management, because as England manager you can’t go and spend £50-100million on players. You get what you’re given.
“He wouldn’t have too much input into the transfers.
“But if you look at his man management and how he’s handled the media, he’s a very good manager.
“I’m not sure it would excite Man United fans, because of how he plays. It’s slightly defensive.
“I think it would provide some stability in the long-term, but it will be all about results.
“It will split opinions – but if he goes in and wins the first 15 games, everyone will love him.”
In other news, Man United move to agree deal with specialist and avoid points deduction.
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