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Gary Neville has now shared his thoughts on a rumour he’s heard regarding something Manchester United could do.
All eyes are on Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford as the 71-year-old prepares for a crucial summer at Manchester United, amid doubts over the futures of several players, and also Erik ten Hag.
A story from the Telegraph claims that the Red Devils view Gareth Southgate as a serious option to replace the Dutchman this summer, with sources highlighting the fact Dan Ashworth helped to hire the 53-year-old for England in 2016.
Now, Gary Neville has shared his thoughts on that potential appointment…
Gary Neville reacts to Gareth Southgate rumours
It is safe to say the 49-year-old doesn’t want to see Southgate replace Ten Hag this summer.
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Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville said: “I’ve come to the conclusion Southgate can’t happen. There is no way United can wait until July, when pre-season has already started. They look like they don’t know what they are doing and there is no way Gareth can announce before a major tournament that he is going to Manchester United.
“He won’t do that. There’s no way in a week’s time we will see an announcement saying Gareth is leaving England to go to Man United. That would just create absolute turbulence in the England squad for a month. He’s not going to do that for the players. That’s not happening.”
Neville is spot on.
Why Manchester United cannot waste any time
The Red Devils are in a situation where they need, not just a head coach, but a hands-on manager who is in place for the entire summer, so he can get involved in recruitment plans and truly get to the bottom of what’s going wrong.
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UEFA EURO 2024 ends on Sunday 14th July, and with the Premier League typically starting in August, that would leave Southgate with hardly any time to instil a tactical philosophy, or have a say in transfers as his focus will obviously be on England.
The Evening Standard even believe Casemiro, Antony and two others could leave for Saudi Arabia, so the need for a manager to be involved in this squad overhaul is clear.
Ideally – if Ten Hag is going to be sacked – Ratcliffe needs a replacement hired almost as soon as the 2023/24 campaign ends, such is the magnitude of Manchester United’s mess.