SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has made Gareth Southgate his No1 choice to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, reports say.
Ten Hag’s future in the Old Trafford hotseat remains in doubt amid inconsistent form and fractured relationships off the field.
According to the Daily Star, new United owner Ratcliffe has determined that England boss Southgate is his main target to succeed the Dutchman.
Southgate’s contract runs out in December and Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again.
That is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to get the manager to sign a new deal.
But Southgate – whose last club role was with Middlesbrough in 2009 – has refused to even discuss his future until after Euro 2024 in Germany.
And it would cost Ratcliffe around £800,000 in compensation for Southgate’s services while needing to fork out £10m just to sack Ten Hag.
It is added the chemical mogul would like a decision from Southgate soon so he can plan for next season and beyond.
Ratcliffe and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford are said to have spoken to a string of United legends about who should replace Ten Hag.
And the “overwhelming choice” was Southgate.
Southgate could also have the backing of some of United’s current players with the likes of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford all England regulars.
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And incoming director of football Dan Ashworth has a close relationship with Southgate following their time together at the FA.
Ratcliffe is thought to back Southgate as the ideal choice to build a successful team at United again.
He will lead England into the Euros this summer as one of the favourites to win the tournament.
But following heartache in the 2018 World Cup semis and Euro 2020 final, pressure is on Southgate to deliver a first major trophy since 1966.
Meanwhile, it is claimed Ratcliffe is not convinced Ten Hag is the right man to take United forward.
And neither winning the FA Cup or qualifying for the Champions League is said to change that opinion.
