Gary Neville has shared his thoughts on the possibility of Gareth Southgate taking over as Manchester United manager, should the position become available. Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, Neville expressed doubts about whether Southgate would be the right fit for the club, but also acknowledged the positive impact he could have if given the chance. Below, we break down Neville’s key points and what they mean for Manchester United’s future.
Southgate Not a Natural Fit for Manchester United
According to Neville, the idea of Gareth Southgate managing Manchester United does not seem like a natural fit. He explained that both the club and Southgate’s management style might not align. Neville said:
“I’ve never seen Gareth as a fit for Manchester United or Manchester United to be a fit for Gareth. I’ve never seen it as something that the club would do.”
He went on to clarify that the only connection between Southgate and Manchester United lies in his previous working relationship with sporting director Dan Ashworth during their time with the England national team. Despite this, Neville believes that Southgate’s appointment would be met with scepticism by the United fanbase.
Scepticism from Manchester United Fans
Neville emphasized that Manchester United fans are a passionate and opinionated group, suggesting that many would not initially support the idea of Southgate managing the club. He pointed out the potential disconnect between the fans and the idea of appointing Southgate, stating:
“Manchester United fans are a bunch of people who have feeling, who have a spirit, and I don’t think they’re connected to this idea yet.”
However, Neville also suggested that Southgate could change minds, just as he did when he first took over as England manager. He explained that Southgate faced similar scepticism when he began his tenure with the national team but ultimately proved his worth.
Southgate’s Impact: Weeding Out the Dressing Room Issues
Despite the scepticism, Neville acknowledged that Southgate could bring important changes to Manchester United, particularly in addressing issues within the dressing room. He stated:
“One thing Gareth would do is weed out the nonsense in that dressing room.”
Neville praised Southgate’s ability to manage personalities and create a cohesive team, highlighting this as a crucial strength if he were to take on the United job.
Could Southgate Be the Right Man for the Job?
While Gary Neville expressed reservations about Gareth Southgate being the ideal fit for Manchester United, he also acknowledged the potential for Southgate to change opinions and improve the club’s internal dynamics. Southgate’s ability to manage personalities and his success with England could eventually win over Manchester United fans, but for now, the idea remains a divisive one. Whether Southgate’s appointment is something the club will pursue remains to be seen, but his influence on the team could be significant.