Recent reports reveal that former England manager Gareth Southgate is unlikely to take over as Manchester United head coach if Ruben Amorim is dismissed.

Despite ongoing speculation linking Southgate to the struggling Premier League giants, The Mirror reports that Southgate would turn down the opportunity, especially amid the current turmoil surrounding United’s coaching position. His focus appears to remain outside frontline club management for now, with Southgate continuing motivational work and media engagements following his England tenure.

Ruben Amorim’s Precarious Position at United

Amorim’s appointment in late 2024 has yet to yield stability or consistent results, with Manchester United enduring a poor start to the 2025-26 season marked by several defeats and underwhelming performances. 

Holding a low win percentage and struggling to find form, Amorim has come under increasing pressure, though some club officials, including minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, remain publicly supportive. United’s tactical reliance on Amorim’s favored 3-4-2-1 system has faced criticism, with calls growing for an urgent change in direction.

Alternatives and Future Outlook

With Southgate ruling himself out, Manchester United may turn their attention to other managerial candidates such as Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner or Xavi, former Barcelona coach, both reportedly interested in the position.

The club’s ownership group INEOS has expressed a preference for patience but acknowledges the mounting pressure if results do not improve imminently.

Meanwhile, United’s internal instability, including the recent exit of key sporting director Dan Ashworth, an ally of Southgate, may contribute to Southgate’s decision to keep a distance.