“Join the dots…” Journalist hints that the next Man United manager is obvious

There have been many rumours about who the next Manchester United manager may be, with recent reports claiming that Gareth Southgate could take over from Erik ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag is in a period of uncertainty at Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS assessing their options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite the club’s recent 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, there has been talk that the new Old Trafford co-owner may choose to hire a new manager for a fresh start once the current campaign draws to a close.

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While many managers have been named, some reports have started to creep in that current England manager Gareth Southgate has been identified as the first-choice candidate – although this has yet to be backed up by other sources surrounding the club.

However, England journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed that fans should start to “join the dots” surrounding Ratcliffe, INEOS, and Southgate, hinting that he is the obvious choice to take over.

Responding to a question surrounding Southgate’s links to the Old Trafford club, Nixon explained that he is “a definite candidate”, also insinuating that the recent call-up of Kobbie Mainoo is “interesting”.

When further questioned that INEOS “couldn’t possibly be that silly” and that they are “meant to be serious”, Nixon went on to expand that as they have Sir Dave Brailsford, are set to appoint Dan Ashworth, and want home-grown players in the squad, fans should “join the dots” – suggesting that Southgate is in fact the obvious choice.

Whether this comes to fruition or not is a question for later in the season. United have ten games left to play this season in the Premier League and also have an incoming FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City in late April.

Depending on if Ten Hag can secure Champions League qualification and win the FA Cup, his job may be safe for a further season – but if he falls short of this, he could be in trouble.