Stunning Gareth Southgate verdict sends explicit and brutal warning to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Gareth Southgate’s future has become a hot topic of discussion during the international break. The England manager has been heavily linked with the Manchester United hotseat.

Southgate, whose contract with the Football Association runs out in December, has been preparing his side for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as they continue their warm-up for Euro 2024.

Reports this week emerged saying that the 53-year-old had been made Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s No 1 target to replace Erik ten Hag as United manager, should he decide to sack the Dutchman. Ten Hag has come under increasing pressure after a disappointing season at Old Trafford, one that could still be salvaged by winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

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Even that, however, may not be enough to save Ten Hag. The Manchester Evening Newsreported last month that Ratcliffe and Ineos have been analysing managerial candidates should they decide to dispense with him. And while a decision has yet to be made on Ten Hag’s future, Southgate’s name continues to be in the mix, with the former Middlesbrough manager now the favourite with bookmakers.

That news hasn’t gone down particularly well with United diehards, however. While some recognise the job Southgate has done with the England team in bringing about a massive culture shift, uniting different factions and promoting young players - while reaching the final of the last Euros for the first time in the nation's history - others believe he should have done more with a talented England squad, and believe he has a safety-first approach which wouldn’t suit United.

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