Sir Jim Ratcliffe Backs Gareth Southgate for Man United Job

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a significant minority owner of Manchester United, has expressed a strong preference for Gareth Southgate to replace Erik ten Hag as the club’s manager. This preference is based on a combination of Southgate’s current role as England’s national team manager, his endorsement by Manchester United legends, and his close relationship with Dan Ashworth, the sporting director at Newcastle United.

Ratcliffe decision to favor Southgate over ten Hag is part of a broader strategy to shake up Manchester United’s management and bring in fresh ideas. This move comes after Ratcliffe’s recent acquisition of a 27.7% stake in the club, marking a significant shift in the club’s ownership structure. Ratcliffe has already made changes to the club’s management, including hiring Omar Berrada as chief executive and attempting to recruit Dan Ashworth, who has a history of working closely with Southgate, to a top position at United.

Southgate’s contract with England is set to expire in December, and he has yet to commit to a new deal, despite the Football Association’s insistence. This situation presents an opportunity for Ratcliffe to negotiate Southgate’s transition from England to Manchester United, potentially after the conclusion of Euro 2024. The cost of Southgate leaving his £2.5 million-a-year England contract early would be around £800,000, but sacking ten Hag and his staff a year before their contracts expire in June 2025 would cost the club £10 million in compensation.

Southgate has a strong track record with England, having led the team to the final of Euro 2020 and winning 57 of his 91 matches in charge. His experience with the national team, combined with his empathetic communication style and open media policy, has earned him the support of many, including Manchester United legends and players in the England squad. Southgate’s ability to build bridges and manage expectations, both on and off the field, makes him a compelling candidate for the Manchester United managerial role.

However, the decision to replace ten Hag with Southgate is not without its challenges. Southgate’s transition from national team management to club management would require navigating the complexities of club politics and the expectations of Manchester United fans. Despite these challenges, Ratcliffe’s confidence in Southgate’s ability to lead Manchester United into a new era under INEOS is evident, and the move represents a bold step towards revitalizing the club’s fortunes on the pitch.

What role does Dan Ashworth play in the transition from ten Hag to Southgate?

Dan Ashworth emerges as a pivotal figure in Manchester United’s managerial transition from Erik ten Hag to Gareth Southgate, owing to his close ties with Southgate and his distinguished track record in football operations. Currently serving as the sporting director at Newcastle United, Ashworth’s longstanding collaboration with Southgate during their time at the Football Association (FA) from 2012 to 2019 has been integral in laying the groundwork for England’s national team success under Southgate’s leadership.

Renowned for his astute football operations and talent development acumen, Ashworth has left an indelible mark during his tenures at West Brom, Brighton, and Newcastle United, contributing significantly to their achievements. His pivotal role at the FA, nurturing a new generation of English talent, further solidifies his standing as a talent scout and developer par excellence.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a notable minority owner of Manchester United, actively seeks to revamp the club’s management and inject fresh perspectives. Ratcliffe’s preference for Southgate as the club’s next manager is influenced in part by endorsements from Manchester United legends and Southgate’s close bond with Ashworth. Ratcliffe endeavors to recruit Ashworth for a prominent role at United, recognizing his potential to bolster the club’s transfer market strategies and talent cultivation efforts.

Ashworth’s involvement in the transition is poised to leverage his extensive network and football operations expertise to bolster Southgate’s endeavors at Manchester United. His knack for identifying and nurturing talent domestically and abroad will prove invaluable in assembling a competitive squad under Southgate’s guidance. Moreover, Ashworth’s profound understanding of English football dynamics and rapport with emerging talents could facilitate United’s acquisition of promising prospects for the future.

In essence, Dan Ashworth’s pivotal role in Manchester United’s transition from ten Hag to Southgate underscores his significance in supporting Southgate’s managerial aspirations. With his wealth of experience in football operations, talent scouting, and his close bond with Southgate, Ashworth stands as a linchpin in ensuring the success of Southgate’s tenure at Manchester United.