Why Gareth Southgate will not replace Erik ten Hag as Man Utd manager if Red Devils endure poor start with top candidate emerging

Earlier this summer, Southgate was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford amid speculation over Erik Ten Hag's future. The INEOS group and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, though, later decided to continue with the Dutch manager and even handed him a one-year contract extension.

On Tuesday, Southgate resigned as England boss after Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. However, the Daily Mail reports that even if the Red Devils endure a poor start to the 2024/25 campaign, they are unlikely to bring in the ex-Three Lions boss as their new manager as the club have identified former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel as their first-choice replacement for the Dutchman.

Under Ten Hag's tutelage, the Manchester-based club played their first pre-season friendly against Rosenborg in Norway. The Dutch coach fielded some experienced players such as Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford while a few fresh faces including Radek Vitek and Ethan Williams were also involved. However, they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in the game.

The reigning FA Cup champions will play their second friendly game against Rangers on Saturday before they jet off to the U.S.