Southgate's Stance on Replacing Amorim at Man Utd as Ratcliffe 'Makes Contact'

Former England head coach Gareth Southgate has already provided his stance on returning to Premier League management as he continues to be one of several names linked with the Manchester United head coach role.

Current United head coach Ruben Amorim remains under pressure at Old Trafford with the Portuguese now boasting a dismal record of just nine league wins in 33 games, having watched his side lose 3-1 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

Igor Thiago’s first-half brace set the tone in west London before United’s Benjamin Sesko scrambled home his first goal since arriving from RB Leipzig.

But United were handed a lifeline when Nathan Collins fouled Bryan Mbeumo in the penalty area, resulting in a spot kick on 71 minutes.

However, captain Bruno Fernandes saw his strike saved by Bees goalkeeper Caoimhin Keller before Mathias Jensen added the home side’s third in second-half stoppage time.

Ruben Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the bench against Brentford (Credit:Getty)

Following the match, Amorim was asked whether he feared he would lose his job, to which he replied: “I am never concerned about my job - I am not that kind of guy," during an interview with BBC Match of the Day.

He added: "It is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here."

United are now 14^th in the Premier League after six games with a record of two wins, one draw and three losses.

Following Amorim’s latest failure, reports emerged suggesting that United were sounding out potential replacements.

According to talkSPORT, United have put together a three-man shortlist of potential successors to Amorim, including Southgate, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, should Amorim be relieved of his duties.

Southgate is the only one out of the trio to currently be out of work, which may make him an easier target.

Gareth Southgate is currently without a managerial role (Credit:Getty)

But what has the 55-year-old said about a return to management, having been without a role since stepping down as England head coach following Euro 2024?

Southgate was previously the favourite to replace Erik ten Hag in March 2024, but refused to speculate.

“Manchester United have a manager and I think it is always completely disrespectful when there is a manager in place,” Southgate said at the time.

Then in August, he attended the PFA Awards in Manchester, where he picked up the PFA Merit Award, recognising his contributions to football and achievements with England.

He was questioned about whether he would like to return to management, but admitted that he’s “enjoying” his downtime and has “quite a lot on”.

Southgate said: “I’m in the middle of writing a book, and I’ve got several business interests. I do some work on leadership, help with some young coaches.

“But I’ve also got time to travel and play a bit of golf, play a bit of paddle tennis, so yeah, I’m very much enjoying that balance.”

When further pressed on potentially returning to the dugout, Southgate added: “You can’t say never to anything because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and I wasn’t certain I would manage then.

“Then I ended up on a strange path into managing the national team. But it’s not something I’m actively looking at at the moment.”

Southgate previously managed Middlesbrough in the Premier League between 2006 and 2009.