The hidden reason why Gareth Southgate is huge favourite to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

The hidden reason why Gareth Southgate is one of the favourites to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager has been revealed.

Southgate may well be busy preparing for England's Euro 2024 campaign this summer, but he is being touted to make a sensational return to club management next season.

Various reports have claimed that the 53-year-old has emerged as a top candidate to replace under-fire coach Ten Hag at Old Trafford, should he be dismissed at the end of the season.

With United sixth in the Premier League table and eliminated from Europe before Christmas, new minority owner INEOS - headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe - is yet to be convinced that the Dutchman is the man to return the club to its former glory.

Sir Dave Brailsford - INEOS director of sport - and Dan Ashworth - who is expected to become the club's director of football - regard Southgate as the ideal candidate to take charge if Ten Hag leaves.

The history between the two men and Southgate has no doubt played a part in that.

Brailsford encountered Southgate through the INEOS Leaders in Sport programme, while Ashworth worked with the England boss during his time with the Football Association.

However, according to ESPN, there is another reason they fancy him as a potential Ten Hag replacement.

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United would need to pay less than £1 million in compensation to relieve Southgate of his England contract - due to expire in December - making Southgate a significantly cheaper hire than other top coaches.

Another reason is the work Southgate has done to improve the culture and harmony of the England squad, something United bosses feel is needed at Old Trafford as part of a huge rebuild.

Southgate has publicly refused to address his future, and is believed to be undecided whether or not he will stay with England until the 2026 World Cup.