Man Utd 'assessing' Gareth Southgate as potential Erik ten Hag replacement as three-man shortlist revealed

Gareth Southgate and two other candidates are being assessed as potential successors to Erik ten Hag should he leave Old Trafford in the summer, according to a new report.

Ten Hag is under serious pressure following United's recent 3-1 defeat to Manchester City – a result that left his team lingering in sixth place, 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

It was claimed earlier this week that players at United are "increasingly doubtful" about the Dutchman's future beyond this summer, with many feeling as though INEOS will sack him and bring in a new manager.

ESPN, meanwhile, have suggested that no decision has been made over Ten Hag's future but 'options are being explored to gauge the credentials and availability of possible replacements'.

In fact, England manager Gareth Southgate is named as someone who is being assessed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team alongside Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank.

De Zerbi, who is being tracked by a number of clubs, has impressed many onlookers at Brighton, while Thomas Frank's decision to embrace a data-led approach has 'earned admirers' at United.

Southgate is viewed as an 'outsider' for the role considering his status at England, where he has yet to make a decision about his future post this summer's Euros.

But the report links back to his long-standing relationship with Dan Ashworth, who is close to becoming United's next sporting director. Ashworth previously worked at the FA.

Sources have also told ESPN that other managers and coaches are also being considered, with INEOS determined to avoid being unprepared this summer as big-name managers continue to be linked with moves.

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Ten Hag's future has been a real talking point in recent days. After their latest defeat to Manchester City, former United midfielder Paul Scholes gave his brutally honest take the 54-year-old's current situation.

Speaking to Optus Sport, he said: "What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away."

He added: "I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.

"From the interviews we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision."