Manchester United’s board are reportedly concerned about public backlash in selecting a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have endured a disappointing start to the campaign and a dismal display against Tottenham saw the team booed off the pitch at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag continues to insist he has the backing of the board, but he will need to turn things around quickly in order to change the mood around the club.
Gary Neville branded United an ‘absolute disgrace’ and called the defeat to Tottenham a ‘really bad day for Ten Hag’.
Erik ten Hag is coming under increasing pressure from Manchester United fans
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The result prompted more speculation on who could potentially take the hotseat at Old Trafford if Ten Hag was dismissed.
Gareth Southgate has been touted as a frontrunner for the job having left his role as England manager after Euro 2024.
However, Sky Sports claim the United board are wary of appointing the former Three Lions boss.
It’s reported that the United ownership group are concerned Southgate’s appointment would ‘not be well received by the fanbase’.
That’s an opinion also shared by Neville, who feels Southgate is not the right fit for United.
“I said last season, I’ve never seen Gareth as a fit for Manchester United or Manchester United to be a fit for Gareth,” Neville said on the It’s Called Soccer podcast.
“I’ve never seen it as something that the club would do, I’ve never seen it as something that Manchester United would do.
“The only connection I see is that (sporting director) Dan Ashworth has worked with Gareth and Gareth has done a very good job with England.
Gareth Southgate is seen as a frontrunner for the job
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“Manchester United fans are a bunch of people who have feeling, who have a spirit, and I don’t think they’re connected to this idea yet. Gareth could do exactly what he’s done with England if he was to come in in the next few months or year or whenever it may be, and completely change people’s thinking and change the dynamic around the decision.
“He would come in – not unusually for him because he came into the England job with not a lot of love – he would be coming into Manchester United with scepticism, there is no doubt about that, from Manchester United fans.
“He would know that; Gareth has been around the block, he would know that it’s not the most exciting appointment for Manchester United fans to be able to look at.”
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has recently been made the bookies’ favourite ahead of Southgate.
The former United striker joined Ten Hag’s backroom staff in the summer as an assistant manager.
The 48-year-old was previously head coach with PSV before leaving in 2023.