Man Utd 'in talks with' Gareth Southgate and agreement could be reached soon

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Gareth Southgate has reportedly been sounded out for talks by United (Image: GETTY)

Manchester United have made a positive start in talks with Gareth Southgate after identifying him as their top managerial target, according to reports. Erik ten Hag's hopes of staying in charge took a massive hit on Monday night, with the Red Devils falling to a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

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United's owners are yet to announce their decision on whether to sack Ten Hag, who remains under contract until the summer of 2025. However, it seems Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already planning to put a new face in the dugout after identifying Southgate as his preferred option.

Talks between United and Southgate have started positively, according to Foot Mercato, with the Red Devils hoping to strike an agreement over the coming weeks. Those in power at Old Trafford are reportedly convinced that Southgate is the 'ideal coach' to lead the project from next season onwards.

The report adds that United will be forced to wait until after Euro 2024 to confirm Southgate's appointment if they manage to seal the deal. He remains tied down to England until the end of the calendar year, which suggests United will need to agree a compensation package to appoint him before then.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

The England boss has reportedly been identified as United's top target (Image: GETTY) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

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Southgate has not managed a club side in over a decade, having most recently been in charge of Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009. However, his leadership qualities are said to be highly regarded by United, who are reportedly willing to overlook his lack of recent club experience.

It remains to be seen if Southgate will be a success at Old Trafford if he is appointed to replace Ten Hag next season. Roy Keane recently suggested that he would be happy for Southgate to manage United, given that he has previously worked with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane said: "I could see that happening. Well, obviously everyone’s thinking he’s probably going to be with England this summer if he has a good championship, thinking if they could win it.

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"And if they don’t, then maybe they’re thinking maybe 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."

Arsenal icon Ian Wright added that Southgate would 'look the part' on the touchline, saying: "I see Gareth Southgate standing on the line and the way he will be dressed and his demeanour. I could see him, he’s got the stature to be Manchester United manager the way he is.

"For Gareth, talking about someone who looks the part, he’ll probably look the part standing on the line for Manchester United."

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