'Gareth Southgate is the obvious choice' - Ex-England manager backed for Man Utd job with players looking 'lost' under Erik ten Hag

United have had a very shaky start to the season, racking up just three wins in eight games across all competitions. Rumours have already started brewing around Ten Hag's potential sacking with reports claiming that the Dutchman has been given two more games to improve United's form or he will be shown the door. Former Chelsea star Cole believes that minority owners INEOS are likely to go for Southgate if they do axe Ten Hag, with the former England boss on the lookout for a new job after leaving the national team post in the summer.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Cole said: “Gareth Southgate is the obvious choice for Manchester United. If you look at the ownership group, with Dan Ashworth – he worked with Southgate at the FA and it’s actually reminds me a lot with when Gareth took over at England and having to steady the waters.

“The fans weren’t happy, and he managed to galvanise them and it might be the right place at the right time for Gareth and I hate talking about next managers when the manager is still in play but it’s really tough to look at Manchester United and – knowing how football is – know that they must be thinking about doing something."

Cole also claimed that Ten Hag can still leave the club with his head held high after delivering FA Cup and League Cup success, but stressed the need for a change with the players' body language speaking volumes. He said: "It’s a really tough part of our job because Erik ten Hag comes to speak to us and he’s always very respectful he answers the questions, and he doesn't shy away. But ultimately, it's just not happening [for him]. If he walks away he walks away from Manchester United in the next few months, he walks with his head held high. He won silverware and is part of the history but I think the players look like they need a new voice around them.

“It’s really tough but I’m only going off what I see and how the players are reacting. The body language, they look lost and it’s hard because it’s Erik ten Hag’s team not doing well. He’s got a fantastic but tough job and he’s a nice guy but I just think it may have run its course.”

Cole also opened up about United's upcoming Europa League visit to the Estadio do Dragao to face Porto, predicting yet another loss for Ten Hag's men.

The former England international said: "The problem with Manchester United coming to town, is when they’re a wounded animal, the name is still Manchester United. The Porto players will be up for it, the manager and fans will be too and the whole place will be a cauldron.

"I’ve played there and it’s a tough place and I can only see a Porto win, I really can. I’d go with 3-1 Porto."