Three Man United players who will benefit if Gareth Southgate agrees manager deal
Manchester United will be contemplating Ruben Amorim’s future once again after another dismal Premier League showing.
Man United’s 3-1 loss away at Brentford halted the progress Amorim’s side had made with their 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.
Amorim was looking at Man United’s favourable run with his sights set on earning back-to-back wins for the first time since taking over as head coach in November 2024.
The loss to Brentford places the Portuguese head coach’s job in further jeopardy, though, as Man United are preparing to sack Amorim should results continue to falter.
Reports suggest Amorim has until the October international break to save his job with Man United lining up candidates to replace the 40-year-old if their poor run continues.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes up Sir Gareth Southgate to replace Ruben Amorim at Man United
Speculation has surrounded the shortlist of replacement candidates, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner high on many people’s lists.
However, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate is one of the most prominent names on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shortlist.
Southgate led England to two European Championship finals during his eight years in charge of the England Men’s team.
The 55-year-old is a controversial figure amongst Man United fans, with many believing his style suits international football better than club football.
If Southgate were to receive the call from Ratcliffe, the former England boss would reunite with familiar faces such as Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, and the two-time Euros runner-up would have a good impact on a number of United’s squad.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has been hung out to dry for large portions of this season by Amorim, who has suggested the 20-year-old is fighting for a place in the starting line-up alongside club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Mainoo has showcased his talents during short cameos off the bench this season, but was at fault for a turnover in Brentford’s third goal of the game on Saturday.
After playing from the bench in England’s early Euro 2024 games, Southgate swiftly fast-tracked Mainoo into his first team plans alongside Declan Rice.
| Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 | |
| Minutes | 370 |
| Passing accuracy | 92% |
| Long ball accuracy | 80% |
| Chances created | 3 |
| Dribble success | 40% |
| Recoveries | 12 |
Mainoo was a revelation for the Three Lions, dictating the tempo of England’s build-up and controlling possession for Southgate’s side.
Should Southgate come to Old Trafford, Mainoo would be expected to return to United’s first-team picture and play alongside Casemiro in a double pivot.
Matthijs de Ligt
While Southgate will be familiar with Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt may stand to gain the most from the Englishman’s arrival at Old Trafford.
De Ligt’s qualities as a box defender have shone in the early part of the season, but his frailties when the game stretches were on full display against Brentford.
The Dutchman was run ragged by Igor Thiago due to Amorim’s high-risk offside trap, and when De Ligt was isolated out wide against Kevin Schade, it always looked like a goal was coming.
De Ligt would benefit from Southgate’s more compact and organised structure defensively, utilising his strengths as a defender while providing cover for his deficiencies in covering open spaces.
Whether in the centre of a back three or alongside Leny Yoro in a back four, De Ligt would be able to showcase his best qualities under Southgate’s leadership.
Noussair Mazraoui
Man United have missed the presence of Noussair Mazraoui in their backline in the early portion of the season, as the Moroccan international has been sidelined through injury.
Mazraoui returned to United’s lineup for matches against Burnley, Manchester City and Chelsea but hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes yet.
Under Amorim, Mazraoui has been lost for a position, used occasionally as a right centre back, but also as a right wing back, neither of which suits his natural game.
Mazraoui can play the role Kyle Walker played for England in Euro 2024, adding robust defensive cover on the right flank while also progressing the ball through passes into the final third and crossing balls into the box from deep.
A full back naturally, Mazraoui would adapt naturally to what Southgate asks of his fullbacks, and could comfortably slot into the former Middlesbrough man’s starting 11.