Fabrizio Romano has revealed the truth behind the rumours linking Gareth Southgate to the Manchester United job, while Rúben Amorim is under pressure.
Rúben Amorim was one of the highest-potential managers in European football before he left Sporting CP for Manchester United in November 2024, like Erik ten Hag when he left Ajax for Old Trafford a few years earlier.
However, United remain one of the worst sides in the Premier League, with many now questioning if Amorim is the right man to lead the rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The 3-1 loss to Brentford on Saturday afternoon – in which Benjamin Šeško netted his first goal – has created more unrest in the United fan base. Some fans are demanding change now.
With Amorim under pressure, Gareth Southgate has been linked to the club, as he remains without a job after leaving the England setup. United were linked with Southgate before Amorim joined, although that was likely due to his friendship with Dan Ashworth.
Romano confirms the truth behind Southgate rumours
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano revealed the full story behind United’s links to Southgate in recent days: “Gareth Southgate has always been in the rumours, if you remember.
“Even in the summer 2024, when Manchester United decided to confirm Erik ten Hag, before they appointed Erik ten Hag, they had some candidates. And among these candidates was Roberto de Zerbi, who has always been very much appreciated by people at Manchester United. De Zerbi is doing a fantastic job at Olympique Marseille and he was one of the names in the shortlist.”
Romano continued to say: “Another name was Gareth Southgate, ‘Why Gareth Southgate?’, because he’s in a very good relationship with people close to INEOS, and with influential, important people at INEOS.”
“What I can tell you, is that there are still no active conversations or no active talks for Gareth Southgate to become the new Manchester United manager. But if we have these stories, it’s because of these very good, personal connections with people at INEOS.”
The transfer guru added: “If Manchester United decide to change at any point, Southgate could be one of the candidates, but there would be more. “
United would be foolish to appoint Southgate
While Southgate has a respectable international CV, his experience in club football is not at the level United require if they are to improve and climb up the Premier League.
Based on his performances in the club football management, Southgate would be less of a candidate than Michael Carrick or Kieran McKenna. International management is completely different to the full-time role at Old Trafford.
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Previous United managers were criticised for their poor style of football, and Southgate would suffer the same fate. His main criticism during his time as England manager was playing such negative football with such a talented squad.
Appointing him would only set United back in their hopes of a long-term rebuild.
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