Man United fans react to surprise INEOS decision: “This must be a joke?”

According to reports, Gareth Southgate has been named as one of three potential options to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s next manager.

Erik ten Hag has been under intense scrutiny in the last few months, with Manchester United‘s inconsistent results leaving them sitting woefully in sixth place in the Premier League table.

After crashing out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup late last year, the FA Cup represents Ten Hag’s final shot at a trophy this season. Rumours are spreading about whether INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will continue with him at the helm beyond this season.

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According to ESPN, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and England’s Gareth Southgate are all being assessed as potential replacements for Ten Hag.

Although the report stresses that no final decision on the Dutch manager has been made, options “are being explored” surrounding who could be out there should Ten Hag be deemed not fit for purpose.

Although the three aforementioned managers have been named as those being assessed, it is also thought that INEOS are also looking elsewhere.

The news that England manager Southgate is being considered has not landed well with many United supporters online, who do not believe it would be the correct move.

One fan posted: “This must be a big joke! I’d rather keep Ten Hag! Clear the whole team.”

“If Southgate came anywhere near this club I would literally give up supporting, terrible manager,” another said.

A third blunted stated: “This has to be a joke.”

Erik ten Hag initially signed for United on a three-year deal, although the club have the option to extend this by a further 12 months should they wish to do so – a common clause in contracts at the club.

The club had a good start to 2024, remaining unbeaten across the opening seven weeks of the year, but recent losses to Fulham and Manchester City have cast Ten Hag’s job back into doubt with Champions League qualification looking ever more slim.