'An unpopular but smart appointment' - Former Manchester United striker states case for Gareth Southgate to take manager's job

Manchester United kicked off 2026 by parting ways with boss Ruben Amorim, giving the Portuguese boss his marching orders following comments he made after the draw with Leeds on Sunday. 

It brought to an end a tumultuous 14-month reign for Amorim, which saw him rack up the worst win percentage of any United boss in the Premier League era, and finish 16th in the league last season. 

Following Amorim's sacking, Darren Fletcher has been in interim charge of the club, but a plethora of names have been linked with the role permanently. 

Names such as Thomas Glasnar, Andoni Ireola and Enzo Maresca have all been suggested as possible replacements, as well as ex-England boss Gareth Southgate. 

Southgate has been out of the game since leaving his national team post last summer, and although his appointment would divide opinion at Old Trafford, former Red Devils frontman Michael Owen can see the merits in him being Manchester United's next manager. 

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"I think that Gareth Southgate, in general, would not be a popular appointment with the fans," Owen exclusivly told DAZN News, via Casino.org, where he is UK ambassador, which helps players find the best casino online options in Britain.

"That has to be taken into consideration, and I think that's the big negative with Southgate. I don't think he will appeal.

"England fans have seen him do particularly well. I mean, the most successful manager for a long, long time. However, you know, was the style of play attractive? You know, Manchester United demands a certain style of play. I think there's a lot of scepticism about that appointment.

"However, on the flip side, he is a very, very smart guy. He could be the absolute type of person who could run a club of that size, get them right back on the straight and narrow, and work with the hierarchy exceptionally well.

"I mean, it could be slick, and it could be extremely professional and it could be the best the best appointment out there. 

"However, as I say, there's a massive if, and that is the feeling amongst the fans. I think lots of them would not approve. I think the fans would have him quite low down on the list.

 "But there are plenty, plenty of positives about it, so I wouldn't rule it out." 

Already, many ex-United players turned pundits have had their say on who they'd like as the new name in at Old Trafford, with many favouring a personality who gets the DNA of the club. Yet, there are others and many fans who just want the right man for the job, whatever his previous connections are. 

It's a conundrum that has plagued United since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, and Owen believes that's one of the main issues; finding a manager who ticks all the boxes for such a high-profile role. 

"You want a bit of everything, don't you?" he added. 

"You want experience. You want somebody who understands the club. You want attacking football. You want aggressive football.

"You want so many things, but in reality, is there a manager out there that holds all those aces and can offer all those things? I'm not sure. 

"It'll be interesting to see whether they go interim until the end of the season, because if they do do that, then that opens up more managers.

"There are lots of good managers who are in a job that might be ready for a change at the end of the season.

"I'm looking at Crystal Palace, I'm looking at Fulham. I'm looking at Bournemouth.  There are lots of managers who are in a job that are highly respected and touted." 

 

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