EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Southgate is ‘not liked’ by those within Manchester United

Gareth Southgate is not liked by some within Manchester United as INEOS continue to assess potential new Old Trafford manager targets.

Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s acquisition of 27.7 per cent of Manchester United, all footballing decisions were delegated to his petrochemicals company, INEOS.

INEOS, who already have controlling hands in Ligue 1 side OGC Nice and Swiss Super League club FC Lausanne-Sport, are reportedly assessing if Erik ten Hag should continue as the club’s manager beyond this season.

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One name that has been heavily linked to Old Trafford in the past month is current England boss Gareth Southgate, with some reports claiming that he is the No. 1 choice to take over from Ten Hag in the coming summer.

It is expected that the final decision on Ten Hag and who may replace him will come from new CEO Omar Berrada and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, who are not yet at the club due to serving out their respective gardening leaves.

Opinion within United

Although reports state that Southgate is INEOS’s preferred choice, this is not a view shared by all within Old Trafford.

UtdDistrict understands that despite rumours of Gareth Southgate being high on INEOS’ potential manager list, the England manager is not liked by some within the club – this does not include those related to INEOS.

Those not in favour of Southgate still back Ten Hag to succeed at United. However, if there was a managerial change, Brighton’s Roberto de Zerbi has fans within Old Trafford.

Ten Hag on track to stay

Further to this, sources have previously reiterated to UtdDistrict that Ten Hag is currently enjoying substantial backing from various quarters within the club, with many asserting his adept handling of challenging situations this season.

These supporters firmly advocate for the Dutchman as the ideal candidate to lead United forward, even if Champions League qualification remains elusive this season – which is looking increasingly likely.

Furthermore, it’s understood that Ten Hag remains actively engaged in the recruitment process for the upcoming summer transfer window. However, uncertainty looms regarding any final decision by INEOS regarding the managerial position at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, indications suggest that INEOS have conveyed support for Ten Hag during discussions since Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.

Insiders reveal that Ten Hag enjoys robust support from the United dressing room. Players have expressed confidence in his ability to effect positive change at Old Trafford and get the team back on track after a wayward series of results.

This is information that has since been backed by Fabrizio Romano. “What I’m hearing is the same, INEOS want to give time to Erik ten Hag,” the Italian journalist said on Monday in relation to Ten Hag’s position.