Gareth Southgate Is The ‘Obvious’ Choice To Replace Erik Ten Hag As Manchester United Manager According To Former Chelsea Star Joe Cole

Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager is hanging by a thread, and former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes that Gareth Southgate is the “obvious” choice to replace him.

Joe Cole Backs Southgate For Manchester United Job

Manchester United have struggled for form this season, and their recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has increased the pressure on Ten Hag. Reports suggest that the Dutchman has been given two more games to improve results or face the sack.

Cole, who played for Chelsea from 2003 to 2010, believes that Southgate would be a good fit for United, citing the former England manager’s reputation for developing young players.

“Gareth Southgate is the obvious choice for Manchester United,” Cole told Paddy Power. “If you look at the ownership group with Dan Ashworth, he worked with Southgate at the FA, and it actually reminds me a lot of when Gareth took over at England and had to steady the waters.”

Cole also praised Southgate’s ability to galvanise a team and create a positive atmosphere. “The fans weren’t happy, and he managed to galvanise them, and it might be the right place at the right time for Gareth,” he said.

🚨 Manchester United are aware appointing Gareth Southgate as manager would not be well received by the fanbase. #MUFC [@MelissaReddy_] pic.twitter.com/WDNOkM94pH

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) October 1, 2024

Joe Cole Predicts Defeat For Manchester United Against Porto

While Ten Hag has not been given up on yet, Cole believes that the players are looking lost and need a new voice.

“The body language, they look lost, and it’s hard because it’s Erik ten Hag’s team not doing well,” he said. “He’s got a fantastic but tough job, and he’s a nice guy, but I just think it may have run its course.”

With United facing a tough test against Porto in the Europa League, Cole is predicting a defeat for Ten Hag’s side.

“The Porto players will be up for it; the manager and fans will be too, and the whole place will be a cauldron,” he said. “I’ve played there, and it’s a tough place, and I can only see a Porto win, I really can. I’d go with 3-1 Porto.”