English Premier League: Roy Keane, Gary Neville say Gareth Southgate could succeed Erik Ten Hag as Manchester United boss
- They say the likelihood that United will sign Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as sporting director increases the chances of Southgate joining the club
- This is because the pair have worked together with England; however, Neville says he never saw Southgate ‘as a United manager, psychologically’
Former Manchester United players Roy Keane and Gary Neville say they can envisage England boss Gareth Southgate succeeding Erik Ten Hag as manager at the club.
Ten Hag’s future at United has been questioned following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority stake in the club, with the team currently lying sixth in the Premier League.
United are expected to appoint as sporting director Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on garden leave after telling the Magpies he wanted to leave and has previously worked alongside Southgate at the Football Association.
Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, former United midfielder and captain Keane said: “I could see that happening [Southgate being the next United manager].
“Well, obviously everyone’s thinking he’s probably going to be with England this summer if he has a good (European) Championship, thinking if they could win it. And if they don’t, then maybe they’re thinking you’ve ran your race with him.
“His connection with Dan Ashworth, who he has worked with previously. Yeah, I’m not that surprised with it.”
Former Red Devils defender Neville said: “I never saw Gareth Southgate as a Manchester United manager, psychologically, I never saw that.
“I can see it now, now Dan Ashworth has come in. I just think, what does Erik Ten Hag need to do to stay as Manchester United manager? So, for instance, is the FA Cup enough, or does he need to get top four, or top five, Champions League?”