Ratcliffe's surprising 'top choice' to replace Ten Hag at Man Utd

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Mar 2024 15:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified Gareth Southgate as the top candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, according to a sensational report.

The current Man Utd boss is under pressure despite the Red Devils' recent victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup. It has been a disappointing season for Ten Hag and company and murmurs are growing that the Dutchman won't be in charge next season.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen to overhaul Man Utd's sporting operations and they will not settle for the mediocrity of years past. Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen believes that his compatriot will be axed even if he were to win the FA Cup and a fresh report now seems to confirm that Ten Hag's days are numbered.

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The Daily Star claims that Ratcliffe and his people are not convinced Ten Hag is the right man to take the Red Devils forward. After consulting several Man Utd greats, the INEOS billionaire has settled on Gareth Southgate as the top option to replace the Dutchman.

Southgate to Man Utd?

That the England boss continues to be linked with the job at Old Trafford is not a surprise. Southgate has been associated with the Red Devils since a report revealed two weeks ago that he was among the options being considered in case Ten Hag gets the sack.

However, that report spoke of Southgate as an outside contender for the head coaching role at Man Utd. The latest claim, by contrast, is that the 53-year-old is actually Ratcliffe's number-one choice. It is asserted that the England coach also has the backing of some of United's players and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.

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Southgate is facing an uncertain future with England. His contract is up in December, but there is a feeling that he could leave his role after EURO 2024. Ratcliffe has obviously no intention to wait until the winter, so he would have to pay compensation in the region of £800,000 to buy him out of his deal plus the £10 million it would cost to sack Ten Hag, which is a potential stumbling block.