• Home
  • Live TV
  • Schedule
  • Betting
  • News
  • Log in
  • Sign up now
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy and cookie notice
  • About Us
  • DAZN GROUP
  • NEWS
  • Contact Us
  • DAZN™
Advertisement
Soccer

'An unpopular but smart appointment' - Former Manchester United striker states case for Gareth Southgate to take manager's job

DAZN
DAZN
Published by Ash Rose
6, Jan
ShareClose
facebook logoFacebooktwitter logoXwhatsApp logoWhatsApplinkedin logoLinkedinreddit logoReddit
image
Watch Premier League live with Fubo Sports on DAZN

Manchester United kicked off 2026 by parting ways with boss Ruben Amorim, giving the Portuguese boss his marching orders following comments he made after the draw with Leeds on Sunday. 

It brought to an end a tumultuous 14-month reign for Amorim, which saw him rack up the worst win percentage of any United boss in the Premier League era, and finish 16th in the league last season. 

Watch the Premier League in Canada on DAZN

Following Amorim's sacking, Darren Fletcher has been in interim charge of the club, but a plethora of names have been linked with the role permanently. 

Names such as Thomas Glasnar, Andoni Ireola and Enzo Maresca have all been suggested as possible replacements, as well as ex-England boss Gareth Southgate. 

Southgate has been out of the game since leaving his national team post last summer, and although his appointment would divide opinion at Old Trafford, former Red Devils frontman Michael Owen can see the merits in him being Manchester United's next manager. 

  • Read next: I Interim managers in the spotlight and Arsenal look to cement title credentials - Premier League preview

"I think that Gareth Southgate, in general, would not be a popular appointment with the fans," Owen exclusivly told DAZN News, via Casino.org, where he is UK ambassador, which helps players find the best casino online options in Britain

"That has to be taken into consideration, and I think that's the big negative with Southgate. I don't think he will appeal.

"England fans have seen him do particularly well. I mean, the most successful manager for a long, long time. However, you know, was the style of play attractive? You know, Manchester United demands a certain style of play. I think there's a lot of scepticism about that appointment.

"However, on the flip side, he is a very, very smart guy. He could be the absolute type of person who could run a club of that size, get them right back on the straight and narrow, and work with the hierarchy exceptionally well.

"I mean, it could be slick, and it could be extremely professional and it could be the best the best appointment out there. 

"However, as I say, there's a massive if, and that is the feeling amongst the fans. I think lots of them would not approve. I think the fans would have him quite low down on the list.

 "But there are plenty, plenty of positives about it, so I wouldn't rule it out." 

amorim

Already, many ex-United players turned pundits have had their say on who they'd like as the new name in at Old Trafford, with many favouring a personality who gets the DNA of the club. Yet, there are others and many fans who just want the right man for the job, whatever his previous connections are. 

It's a conundrum that has plagued United since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, and Owen believes that's one of the main issues; finding a manager who ticks all the boxes for such a high-profile role. 

"You want a bit of everything, don't you?" he added. 

"You want experience. You want somebody who understands the club. You want attacking football. You want aggressive football.

"You want so many things, but in reality, is there a manager out there that holds all those aces and can offer all those things? I'm not sure. 

"It'll be interesting to see whether they go interim until the end of the season, because if they do do that, then that opens up more managers.

"There are lots of good managers who are in a job that might be ready for a change at the end of the season.

"I'm looking at Crystal Palace, I'm looking at Fulham. I'm looking at Bournemouth.  There are lots of managers who are in a job that are highly respected and touted." 

 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.

 

Premier LeagueManchester UnitedManchester UnitedSoccerSoccer

Editors' Picks

Boxing

Boxing schedule: Fight dates, TV channel and live stream for confirmed cards

DAZNDAZN
25, May
Boxing schedule: Fight dates, TV channel and live stream for confirmed cards
Boxing

How to subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV fights included in your plan

DAZNDAZN
22, May
How to subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV fights included in your plan
Boxing

How much does DAZN cost in the United States? Boxing, Champions League, Serie A and more - Subscription price, payment methods, sports to watch, how to watch

DAZNDAZN
25, May
How much does DAZN cost in the United States? Boxing, Champions League, Serie A and more - Subscription price, payment methods, sports to watch, how to watch
See all news
Related news

Steven Gerrard: Andoni Iraola’s style suits Liverpool after Arne Slot sacking

PAPA
10 hours ago
Steven Gerrard: Andoni Iraola’s style suits Liverpool after Arne Slot sacking

Liverpool issue statement after Arne Slot leaves the club - Favourite for his replacement revealed

DAZNDAZN
14 hours ago
Liverpool issue statement after Arne Slot leaves the club - Favourite for his replacement revealed

Football's newest kits for 2026-27 - all the brand-new strips released for next season

DAZNDAZN
29, May
Football's newest kits for 2026-27 - all the brand-new strips released for next season

Chelsea will allow Enzo Fernandez to leave for £120m

PAPA
27, May
Chelsea will allow Enzo Fernandez to leave for £120m

Barcelona agree deal in excess of £69m for Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon

PAPA
27, May
Barcelona agree deal in excess of £69m for Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon