The fanbase is split on whether Ten Hag should remain at Old Trafford, but even those who prefer him to part ways would rather he continue than Southgate be appointed.
Southgate is under-qualified to manage the biggest side in England and his last experience in club management saw Middles brough relegated from the Premier League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made an excellent start to life as co-owner of United but hiring Southgate would be a spectacular backward step, and it would risk his goodwill with supporters.
United fans must have spat their lunch out in shock when seeing links to Southgate yesterday because although he's done an admirable job with England, he's not close to the calibre of manager the club should be courting following Ratcliffe's investment.
The problem is the list of potential candidates to replace Ten Hag is uninspiring. It's easy to pick holes in the other market leaders - Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, Ruben Amorim, Zinedine Zidane and Simone Inzaghi and they make the Dutchman's case to keep his job stronger.
However, the elephant in the room is that if Ten Hag is only keeping his job. because there is a lack of alternatives, then he is staying in his position for the wrong reasons.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ten Hag future remains in doubt as state-of-play meet comes to end
INEOS GATHERING IN LONDON CONCLUDES WITHOUT ANY STATEMENT
'The tribunal found that it was wrong. This is a big deal in competition law'
THE Premier League came unstuck against City in their opening submission of the hearing into Associated Party Transaction Rules.
Godfather of AI wins Nobel Prize for Physics
A BRITISH-CANADIAN computer scientist who has been dubbed the \"godfather of artificial intelligence\" has won this year's Nobel Prize for Physics.
Chancellor urged to quash ‘damaging' pension rumours
FTSE 250 savings and investment platform AJ Bell has joined the growing chorus urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back down from a proposed tax hit on UK pensioners, warning that rumours of the government's tax intentions are \"hugely damaging\" and are causing widespread concern long-term savings.
Red paint attack on office block
A PRO-PALESTINE group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz.
Star 'in pain every day' in his fight with arthritis
ADAM Thomas has told fans how he's 'in pain every day' as he gave a candid update from his latest trip to the hospital.
I was in tears when the police returned my XL Bully
OWNER SAYS DOG WAS LEFT IN 'BAD STATE' AFTER BEING SEIZED
Student cop was 'bullied' claims dad
INQUEST TOLD TRAINEE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT BOSS 'TRYING TO STRANGLE HIM'
From Pretty Green to pretty vacant
PRETTY Green, the fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher, has announced its flagship Manchester store has closed with immediate effect.
Dozens of 'late-stage' terror plots foiled since Arena bomb
THE security services have foiled 43 'late-stage' terror plots since March 2017 as new threats emerge from hostile nations such as Russia and China and a 'resurgent' Islamic State.