Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Man Utd contact with 4-3-3 manager loved by Harry Kane

Pressure Mounts on Amorim as Manchester United Contact Southgate

Manchester United’s inconsistent Premier League form has intensified the pressure on manager Rúben Amorim, with reports emerging that the club has made contact with former England manager Gareth Southgate.

The team’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday marked their fourth loss of the season across all competitions, leaving them in the bottom half of the table. This poor run of results has created growing anxiety among supporters, compounded by the team’s persistent struggles with its 3-4-3 formation.

While key players Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire had uncharacteristically poor performances, the entire squad failed to match Brentford’s intensity and precision. After the match, Amorim lamented his team’s inability to impose their style of play.

“When we win, it’s not the system. When we lose, it’s the system. I understand that,” Amorim said. “I think it’s more that we played this game like Brentford wanted to… We never settled down our game. We never pushed the opponent.”

With a crucial match against Sunderland at Old Trafford next, Amorim is fighting to stabilize a faltering campaign. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may already be laying the groundwork for a change.

Southgate Emerges as a Leading Candidate

According to talkSPORT, Ratcliffe and the Manchester United hierarchy have made initial contact with Gareth Southgate in recent weeks regarding the managerial position.

Southgate, who is currently on a break after leading England to the EURO 2024 final, is reportedly on a three-man shortlist that also includes Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

While Amorim’s dismissal is not considered imminent, a decision could be made in November, with the cost of terminating his contract estimated at around £12 million.

The Case for Southgate

Southgate brings a distinguished international record, having also guided England to the 2020 European Championship final and a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. He boasts a 59.8% win ratio from his 102 games in charge.

He is highly respected within the game, with United striker Harry Kane having previously lauded him as “one of England’s greatest ever managers.”

Although his only Premier League experience was with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009, his statesmanlike demeanour and proven ability to build organised, defensively compact teams could be key assets for a United side that has consistently struggled to prevent goals. His preferred 4-3-3 formation would also signal a significant tactical shift from Amorim’s current system.