Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first choice manager to replace Erik ten Hag has been revealed, and it explains why the process is taking so long.
United's season finished two weeks ago with victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, but still Erik ten Hag's future is undecided.
The Dutch coach has one year remaining on his contract, but minority owners INEOS - headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe - are considering replacing him after a disappointing league campaign.
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United have been linked with a whole host of managers, and have reportedly considered the likes of Brentford boss Thomas Frank and free agents Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel.
However, according to the Independent, England manager Gareth Southgate is the preferred option of Ratcliffe and other senior figures at Old Trafford like Sir Dave Brailsford.
Southgate's contract with the Football Association runs until the end of the year, although England's performance at Euro 2024 this summer could result in the FA sacking him or offering an extension.
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One of the main reasons why United have still not made a decision on Ten Hag - despite the Dutchman pushing for clarity on his situation - is that Southgate has refused to discuss his future until after the Euros for fear of creating a distraction for his players.
INEOS are keen to get their first major decision at Old Trafford right, so could wait until as late as mid-July to make a decision on Ten Hag.
The former Ajax boss could end up leaving the club by mutual consent if he decides he wants to depart.
None of the other candidates have impressed United's hierarchy as much as Southgate, with his role in changing the culture around the England team something INEOS would like to see replicated at Old Trafford.
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Another factor playing in Southgate's favour is that Brailsford has worked with him in the past.
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Alex Brotherton