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 March 21, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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 March 21, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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
Ras on-message after finding net on injury return
UNITED striker Rasmus Hojlund issued a staunch message in an edited social media post after their 3-3 draw with FC Porto.
Sale hold off late flurry to tough out big result
SALE Sharks returned to title-challenging form with a 31-27 victory over a free-flowing Gloucester side.
Ainslie leads GB to America's Cup
GREAT Britain secured a place in the America's Cup for the first time in 60 years as four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie skippered Ineos Britannia to victory over Italy.
PM's 'renewal' pledge
SIR Keir Starmer said he wants to \"relight the fires of renewal in areas hit hard by deindustrialization, as he pledged £22bn for carbon capture and storage projects.
Navy chief 'sorry' for crew bullying
THE head of the Royal Navy has apologised after an investigation found \"misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours\" in the submarine service.
PCs get jobs back after athlete search dismissal
TWO former Metropolitan Police officers have been handed their jobs back and will receive back-pay after winning an appeal against a ruling that they lied about smelling cannabis during a stopand-search of British athlete Bianca Williams and her partner.
Roadworks hell is forcing me to sell my home
A PARTIALLY-sighted woman who says she has been a 'prisoner' in her own home for months while work on Stretford Mall and its surrounding road network has been ongoing has put her house up for sale.
This was an explosion just waiting to happen
GRANDMOTHER'S VIEW ON WHAT LED TO SON MURDERING HIS MUM.
'Andy, his family, and the rape victim all deserve justice
FOUR EX-COPS FACE INVESTIGATION AFTER MAN'S 17 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CRIME HE DIDN'T COMMIT
Riot thug with 'broad concern for children' says he isn't a racist
A SMIRKING thug who stood 'shoulder to shoulder' with the farright denies being a racist.