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24 Apr 2024 18:50:03
Hi ed002. With the new Graham Potter is close to joining ajax. Does that leave Southgate as firm favourite to take over if ten hag was to depart. Or has tuchel become a serious consideration. Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Southgate would be ahead of Potter I would think now - he has a lot of options - then perhaps Thomas Tuchel.}

1.) 24 Apr 2024 23:22:38
Zidane is SJR's pick.

2.) 25 Apr 2024 07:42:21
Heaven help us if it is Southgate, more years in the shadows oncoming.

3.) 25 Apr 2024 07:49:35
Really not sure who I’d want at the moment. By the sound of it, ENEOS and the people they’re starting to bring in will ultimately determine who we sign, and, presumably, the style of football we’ll be playing. With that in mind, I feel like what we really need is a manager who can get the players fired up and performing at their best and who knows how to manage a game.

Ten Haag has shown that he’s unable to do either of those things, but so too have a lot of the names that are being thrown around at the moment. As for some of the bigger names that were being linked with (Tuchel, Zidane, Mou), I worry that not all of them would be happy having transfer targets being determined by a committee. I’m sure that whoever we end up with will still be part of these discussions, but the club signing players that managers don’t really want (or failing to secure their top targets) is something that’s caused issues with a lot of our post-SAF managers.

4.) 25 Apr 2024 08:23:06
Lots of reports that it’s been decided we’re moving from a transition style to a more possession based style (influenced by ex-City Berarda, Wilcox, wat Nice play etc)

Is Southgate the right man to implement this style? Does anyone know what his instinctive style is?

Also, seems like Wilcox etc currently evaluating which players will be able to adapt to a more possession based style….

Can’t think of many, and thus also is a negative against Bruno, as he’s better in a quick transition.

Maybe he’ll need to go also?

5.) 25 Apr 2024 09:08:53
Southgate wouldn't be my pick but then I don't get a say in the decision. As a supporter my role is to support the team.

I'm actually a lot less worried about who the club hire as the next manager this time. Over the past decade the running of the club has been so poor that it's been absolutely vital that we hire the right manager, as ultimately that is the guy who will decide the majority of what we do and the clubs sporting direction.

The wrong man means several years heading in the wrong direction. That's why I was concerned when we hired Mourinho. Great manager, and a good personality within football. Yet he has a very short term approach, and plays very pragmatic football. Sure he'll get you competing for things, but often at the expense of building a team for the medium to long term. That for me was the exact opposite of what we needed at that time.

This time however things are different, we aren't hiring a manager to do it all, we are hiring a head coach to manage the team. With new expert people in place and soon to be in place to plan for the long term, to think about an over arching style/ vision, to plan youth progression etc. While the next manager will have a say in transfers he won't be leading the recruitment, which means that the following manager won't be left to try and fit players signed for the previous manager into his team.

If it's Southgate and he doesn't do well then we sack him in a year or twos time with minimal impact on the team.

The squad needs a massive rebuild, we won't realistically be winning anything over the next season or two. While a massive squad turnover means playing style will be inconsistent.

Maybe Southgate's steadying hand like he's done with England won't be a bad thing. Especially if we have someone like Gary O'Neil working with him on tactics and style of play.

Either way, I don't see hiring managers as being as fundamental to our success right now as it has been over the past decade.

6.) 25 Apr 2024 09:15:59
Maybe we’re all being a bit unfair towards Southgate in our universal opinion that we don’t want him: after all, he’s brought together a very dysfunctional England setup and got them playing together?

However, he does seem rather dour and lacking charisma, as well as sticking with favourites and appearing tactically rigid - and a bit of a “yes” man in an archaic institution.

Does anyone know a bit more about Southgate’s coaching methods, what players think of his methods and if he is actually any good?

7.) 24 Apr 2024 20:04:01
Thanks Ed. Would there be anyone else to keep an eye on, who may be strongly linked.

{Ed002's Note - Zinedine Zidane (C) I understand an advisor told Liverpool not to discount Zidane after discussions over another job for him are delayed pending a change of club ownership. However, I think Liverpool are a very unlikely option with much preferred targets. He would perhaps like to await the Juventus job, but they have a preferred option, or to take over the French National side but that would require Didier Deschamps to step down before the next World Cup. May be offered a chance at Manchester United and should not be discounted, but again they have preferred options, but perhaps not better options. Wildcard would be Bayern Munich, Chelsea or Real Madrid but Bayern have a preferred target, the Chelsea job will most likely head elsewhere and Ancelotti will be at Madrid until 2026.

There are others who may be possible.}

8.) 25 Apr 2024 00:07:15
Hi Ed 002

Two questions if possible

Do you think appointing Southgate is a good move? Does not look to have any discernible style with England and does not seem to play attractive/ attacking football - how do you think he would fare at Utd and club level football?

Secondly - I thought Ten Hag would be a great appointment. What do you think has gone wrong for him exactly? Is it purely the Utd set up above him or does he lack the required skill or charisma? Do players just not like him? Thanks as always.

{Ed002's Note - 1. I would not be happy with Southgate if I was a Manchester United supporter.
2. Eric ten Hag arrived at Manchester United and had to fit in to a flawed structure. He is also a miserable bugger and authoritarian.}

9.) 25 Apr 2024 11:14:21
I’d rather keep ten Hag over Southgate. That being said, if Erik is a miserable sod, you can see this influencing the squad, as they all look miserable too.

I’d go all in for Zizou as player/ coach! ?

Tuchel I just don’t get, and apparently he’s too strict as well.

Anyone else we’re linked with beyond these guys if Potter is going to Ajax?

10.) 25 Apr 2024 11:52:45
Very worrying that they would offer it to Southgate.

Personally, I think ETH deserves another year under a better structure and better players.

{Ed002's Note - There are options other than Gareth Southgate.}

11.) 25 Apr 2024 12:33:30
There are other options but the focus right now is on these options.

12.) 25 Apr 2024 12:41:32
I still get the feeling we may go after Amorim, I'm not sure why, I'm not sure he would be the man for any style you would associate with united or any particular style I would say similar with Tuchel.

ed are you saying Southgate is top option based on the fact we have been interested in him in the past? of past on something more recent?

I'm not expecting loads of detail I just struggle to understand the thinking on him especially as a person to implement a style or structure, he may be someone who can get on with the players initially but that soon fades in club football if the wins aren't coming.

{Ed002's Note - Gareth Southgate (C) May be a safe bet for Manchester United - very much on the list for Jim Ratcliffe. Available after the Euros and has been of interest before.

For me there are better options available.}

13.) 25 Apr 2024 13:08:00
I'd like to add my comments above about not being the man to implement a style were about Southgate not Amorim.

Thanks for the answer ed definitely seems like better options out there. though the fact you say he's on the list for SJR makes me a little hopeful that the decision in the end will be made by Berrada, Wilcox and Ashworth and they may not be as keen on Southgate.

{Ed002's Note - I would not get hopes up over Amorim.}

14.) 25 Apr 2024 13:39:43
The fact that he is even seen as option though, jeez. And a top one at that.

15.) 25 Apr 2024 16:38:34
Guessing amorim likely joining chelsea? And ed002 is De Zerbi an option and where is he likely going?

{Ed002's Note - Roberto de Zerbi (C) Brighton would fight to keep him but another who will certainly be discussed by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United with Jim Ratcliffe having a very serious interest in him. A minor issue exists in the €15M cost of Brighton releasing him. Additionally, there are termination clauses for all of his staff. Deco has de Zerbi as his preferred option for Barcelona which he has shared with Yuste and Laporte but it will not be Deco's decision and they can perhaps be excluded with avi staying another year. Not top of Chelsea's list, but on the list. Likely first choice for Bayern Munich now but they are invoking a Plan B with an interim signing. An interesting option might be Manchester City when the job becomes available. He has said he is not interested in the Liverpool job. Brighton are actively looking for a replacement and fear he may depart but will fight to keep him.

16.) 25 Apr 2024 17:46:37
Hi Ed002,

Any chance of having a quiet word with Sir Jim about better options available than Southgate please?!

Bet he’d listen to someone as credible and well-respected as you!

{Ed002's Note - There are options.}

17.) 25 Apr 2024 21:04:07
Shappy why would O’Neil take a step backwards from being a head coach at Wolves (where he’s been relatively successful) to be an assistant at Utd? Maybe Ancelotti and Alonso will come be coaches under Southgate too? ?.

18.) 25 Apr 2024 21:46:53
Maybe with Wilcox apparently assessing the manager he will come to the conclusion that Ten Hag is the right coach for us.

He has lost his way a bit this year, maybe pressure of the job and constant scrutiny is getting him.

If Ten Hag is open to constructive criticism (I know) he might end up staying.

19.) 25 Apr 2024 22:28:43
Fuser, I'm not saying he's going to, but that was the rumour the other week. Apparently the club are looking at hiring coaches to work with the manager rather than have all the coaching staff be hired and fired with the manager.

He would be an ambitious pick for a role like that no doubt. Do I think he'd go for it? Probably not, but I do like that my club is supposedly being ambitious enough to at least try and test the water.

20.) 27 Apr 2024 18:30:32
De Zerbi or Zidane for me.
I’m not sure Southgate or Potter would be any better than Ten Hag if the squad is overhauled either way.

07 Apr 2024 14:35:44
Rumours potter is close to the ajax job.
May only leave Southgate available.

1.) 07 Apr 2024 15:26:49
Oh God, No.

2.) 07 Apr 2024 16:22:21
Or is this an indication that EtH could be given a further year?

3.) 07 Apr 2024 18:45:43
Hasn't Southgate got a job?

4.) 07 Apr 2024 18:54:47
Eth going no where and boy if Southgate comes i ain't supporting the club no more.

5.) 07 Apr 2024 19:07:31
Really good move for Potter if true.

6.) 07 Apr 2024 19:08:28
That being said, I’d have thought Potter might be on the FA’s shortlist if Southgate moves on? Any insights into that Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Sure, he will be an option.}

7.) 07 Apr 2024 20:01:18
I agree Eric, I think he Is a much better manager than his Chelsea spell showed, whilst I don't think er should go for him, I do think he has the potential to be very good and Ajax should help him regain his rep.

8.) 07 Apr 2024 20:45:48
More chance of David moyes managing united again than Southgate.

9.) 07 Apr 2024 20:51:37
Singh if that's the case you won't be missed. More fickle than our players.

10.) 08 Apr 2024 05:27:26
Lollll I don't need your validation. Ill b bk once southgate leaves lolll.

11.) 08 Apr 2024 08:54:50
ETH will be our manager next season. Mind Big Sam was in the directors' box with SJR. Careful what you wish for lol.

12.) 08 Apr 2024 09:20:46
Apparently Potter turned down Ajax offer. Probably has better options for next season.

13.) 08 Apr 2024 09:39:00
Old Trafford being one dev1l.

On Southgate, if we have a decent Euros, I’ve no idea why he’d leave the England post. We’ll paid, high profile, and has cultivated a good culture with a very exciting influx of top young players.

14.) 08 Apr 2024 10:27:04
Southgate has done a brilliant job for England if he has a good euros again then I agree EricI'm not sure sjr he would leave that post. It's a great job to have and one he is doing really well.

15.) 08 Apr 2024 11:17:02
It depends on how you judge Southgate. England have always struggled at international tournaments due to a lack of belief and an inability to work together.

On that front Southgate has totally turned that around, there is no bad blood, controversy or personal issues in the England camp. They all believe they can win major tournaments and the whole squad gives 100% every time they go out on the pitch.

For that Southgate should be commended, and to be honest given the United dressing room issues over the past decade, this is something that maybe Southgate could be good at resolving. Although club football is a very different beast to international football due to the fragmented time international football has compared to the day to day grind of club football. Could Southgate be as effective at keeping the dressing atmosphere in the right place at club level. Especially as it's much harder to remove a bad influence in club football compared to just not selecting them at international level.

Case in point Southgate just not selecting Sancho for England was an instant fix, whereas EtH has had to send him to the under 21's for a couple of months before him leaving on loan. Meaning that 6 months later Sancho is still an issue for EtH and the club to resolve.

Where Southgate has let himself down is his tactical acumen and his decision making in the key moments.

He plays with far too much caution, typical maybe of a manager who was a defender during his playing career. Maybe he doesn't know the best way to attack, or maybe he feels safety first is a better/ more consistent approach.

Either way for a club like United that is known for playing with attacking flair, even a cavalier, risk it all style of play, that seems a poor fit. As previous managers have found out, a defensive style of play will only be tolerated for so long by the United fanbase, typically that is while we are winning. Boring football and no trophies will only lead to the sack.

His in game management also seems poor, with him rarely making an impact from the bench. Or at least a positive impact. Be that trying to see out the Euro final for 80 minutes after Shaw's early goal, or an inability or reluctance to make an attacking change to try and claw back a game. Too often it seems he zigged when he should have zagged.

He tries to shut up shop with 30+ minutes left of the game. Or he waits until the 80th minute to make an attacking change when a goal behind from the first half.

I don't know whether it's a lack of tactical intelligence to be able to see what is happening in real time and being able to think up the solution to make the changes, or whether it's a lack of confidence to make those changes. Either way, it is that part of his managerial makeup that has stopped him lifting silverware with England rather than a lack of talent or because the squad has issues.

Maybe that is where the Gary O'Neil as an assistant manager type role is coming from.

Are they fully aware of Southgate's weaknesses and are looking to hire him alongside someone like O'Neil to add that tactical intelligence to the backroom team. Southgate to lead and create a harmonious and driven atmosphere along with his experience of dealing with big players and the press. With someone like O'Neil to take the majority of the training sessions and be the tactican on match days.

That is a model that has previously worked at United with SAF being the leader and his assistant managers running the majority of training sessions and having a big input into the tactics.

It's not what I'd go for but it's about the only way I can see Southgate having any chance of working at United. Given the way INEOS have started their running of the club, the changes they are making and the sensible hiring they are doing it doesn't make much sense to hire Southgate. Unless they have him fitted up for the role of getting the players mentally in the right place and making the dressing room atmosphere conducive of what you need to challenge for and win major titles, with someone whose a tactician and top class coach who has proven his ability to get the players playing good football and improving them to work alongside Southgate to mitigate his weaknesses.

That might be the solution as it's difficult to find someone who has both the ability to get the very best out of the players and create a winning mentality/ atmosphere at a club as well as having a tactical intelligence to be able to adapt to the modern game and the constant tactical changes that happen in it.

Those managers are rare, and to be honest if there are any like that available this summer then we will face an up hill battle to get them.

The club has also shown an ability to go and find top people like Jason Wilcox and convince them to take a sideways or even backwards step in terms of their job title/ responsibilities to come and work at United. Could they do the same with convincing someone like O'Neil to leave a managers position at an EPL club to become an assistant at United (albeit one that might have far greater impact/ responsibility than most assistant managers) . Maybe.

Like I said Southgate isn't someone I'd personally consider as a good choice for Manchester United, yet he might be the one we end up with.

If he wins the Euros this summer and comes in on the back of that success, and has a top class assistant manager like a Gary O'Neil or similar to run the training sessions and tactical side of the team then maybe it could work.

16.) 08 Apr 2024 12:07:31
I don’t believe any Premier League 1st team manager would want to go to be an assistant regardless of the club stature. Wilcox role at a football club is not comparable with O’Neil’s IMO.

17.) 08 Apr 2024 13:06:37
I think intl football suits Southgate shappy.
I would not be a fan but I respect the job he has done with England. He has made them competitive.

18.) 08 Apr 2024 14:38:39
Ken, I'm not sure if you're taking the Mickey or not.

But england, with the talent he has, have been poor IMO. They haven't beaten anyone they weren't supposed to. When they came up against a big team, they have failed.

19.) 07 Apr 2024 19:08:28
That being said, I’d have thought Potter might be on the FA’s shortlist if Southgate moves on? Any insights into that Ed?

{Ed002's Note - He would be an option.-}

20.) 08 Apr 2024 17:30:38
Ken, I tend to agree. Some managers are just better suited to international football. I think Jose Mourinho could be a phenomenal international manager. His style of play is well suited to knockout football, and he has always been more successful in cup competitions as opposed to league football. I think the ability to drop players who don't work in his system, along with the reduced contact time (making his intensity less draining for players), along with his pragmatic style all suit international football. Plus he has the ego to carry a nations hopes on his shoulders.

I think if Southgate just had that person with some real tactical nous in his ear and part of his team then he could have won something. Someone who can see how a game is going and think of the best solutions to developing issues. That's my one real hang up with Southgate as England manager, he is far too cautious and slow to react to a changing game state.

21.) 08 Apr 2024 17:47:49
No I'm not taking the mickey at all.
England have only once won anything they are minnows in intl football.
Italy France Spain Brazil Argentina Germany are the intl powerhouses. Lots of other countries have also won since.
Only 2 managers have ever got them to a final and Southgate is one.
English players are fine under forgien coaches and alongside forgien team mates.
Put an all English team together they have never won anything for 60 odd years. Put a bunch all in one room together without their forgien teammates and they can't cope.
Southgate has a few talented players at the moment that's true but he doesn't have a top keeper or top cb imo and take kane out and they miss him badly.
I'd argue that every England manager for the past 30 years has had top talent but they never even got to a final. Becks Scholes Gerrard Adams walker Robson shearer Pearce Cole barnes all walk into this squad imo.
Why on earth the English think they should be beating the likes of France Germany Spain Argentina Brazil etc is preposterous imo. They are not beating them now Angel but when did they ever? So if you think his failure is not being able to beat better teams then I suppose that's fair but it's a stick that's unfair to beat him with imo.
I think this euros he has built a team that could compete as France are the only other standout team at the moment and he has got them competing against the best better than England ever have since the 60s.
I'd like to see them win something but it will be a monumental achievement if they do.
It's also not easy to manage a team that not only the opposition want you to lose but also pretty every other neutral in the world wants them to lose too??.

22.) 09 Apr 2024 09:16:14
Steve Holland.

Tom2203's banter posts with other poster's replies to Tom2203's banter posts

27 Apr 2024 17:07:40
I really hope the reason ten hag is still in charge is we are waiting for tuchel not Southgate.
Do think it should be potter or tuchel. If we want potter we need to act now.

1.) 27 Apr 2024 17:30:41
Doesn’t matter who is manager with this squad

The players just are simply not good enough and make far to many basic errors in games

Casemiro trying to head the ball back instead of clear and onana rushing out and punching the player

It’s been comical all season and certain players have given up and are not that bothered anymore

Ten hag will only have himself to blame when he does eventually get the boot as he’s consistently playing players who ain’t performing.

2.) 27 Apr 2024 19:11:43
Agree with casemiro but a decent coach gets more out of this team.

3.) 27 Apr 2024 19:20:18
Bolger the players are still running right down to the last seconds. They’ve not given up.

I didn’t see a group that have downed tools today.

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24 Apr 2024 20:04:01
Thanks Ed. Would there be anyone else to keep an eye on, who may be strongly linked.

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27 Apr 2024 19:14:04
Ten hags honesty? He's deluded, the most entertaining team in the league.
A better coach gets more out of these players. Being honest a better coach doesn't sign half of the players ten hag has chosen to bring in. Question marks on all of them. Clubs fault for giving him to much say so.

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27 Apr 2024 19:11:43
Agree with casemiro but a decent coach gets more out of this team.

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27 Apr 2024 19:10:36
Never understood why utd went for onana. He's pathetic, hasn't helped in possession or our build up, his passing has been poor, takes to long on the ball. His actual goal keeping is woeful.
He's been at fault for a lot of goals this year. Would of been better off sticking with de gea, would of had another 6 points easy.
All of ten hags signings have been woeful.

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19 Apr 2024 18:54:57
Hope not.

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07 Apr 2024 09:48:12
I'd like to see mount as a 10 with mainoo and casemiro ( no one else ) as the 2 holding midfielders.
Completely agree about the wingers getting a yard and putting it in the box and also the whole lindelof, wan bisaka at lb back is just mind blowing. Dalot has been the surprise of the season with his good performances he is more than capable at playing left back.
Bruno is a strange situation. At times he's our best player but others he doesn't contribute and if anything weakens the team. His passing in atrocious, gives the ball away so many times. I do wonder if he's told to play so high up the pitch and to play the way he does. If not why hasn't the management done anything to stop it.
I think your point at 9 is my biggest concern of ten hag. 2 seasons in the players haven't improved, no patterns of play. He says he hasn't the players to play how he wants to. Yet his signings have been abysmal. The spurs manager did an interview around the same time ten hag came out and said he can't play how he did at ajax. Ange said one thing that winds him up is when coaches say they haven't got the player to implement their style. His words were just coach them. I don't think ten hag can.