After Amorim’s departure, Manchester United’s managerial vacancy was quickly linked with several familiar faces, a situation closely followed by readers of Cricket Exchange as speculation gathered pace. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the first name to surface, followed by talk surrounding Ruud van Nistelrooy and Michael Carrick, while the idea of temporarily promoting Darren Fletcher also seemed plausible. Some media outlets even floated the concept of a shared leadership model built around club DNA, though that suggestion felt more theoretical than practical.

Still, many believe the club should seriously evaluate the possibility of Gareth Southgate taking charge, because he may be the one figure capable of restoring clarity and purpose. For a club trapped between past glory and present uncertainty, the right appointment could breathe life back into Old Trafford.

People often debate the long list of qualities required to succeed as an elite football manager, yet one trait stands above the rest: the ability to unlock the full potential of players. At the end of the day, that is where matches are won or lost. Communication with the wider public certainly helps, as does maintaining healthy relationships with decision-makers at board level, something Amorim’s situation indirectly highlighted. Strong representation through agents also matters. But ultimately, success comes from making the most of what is already in your hands.

As a former England manager, Gareth Southgate brings a rare blend of attributes. He is an effective communicator, deeply rooted within the FA system, and operates with a calm, diplomatic style. Not everyone has always agreed with him, yet those surface-level debates only explain part of the story.

Under his leadership, England reached two European Championship finals, a World Cup semi-final, and another World Cup quarter-final. The deeper reason for those achievements lies in his ability to motivate elite players, who consistently responded positively to his methods. Figures like Harry Kane and Declan Rice are now global stars, and while their success is built on talent and determination, both have openly acknowledged how influential Southgate was during their development. Many other England players from the past decade share the same view, reinforcing the respect he commands within the squad.

One obstacle is that the key ally who once tried to bring him to Old Trafford after Ten Hag’s exit is no longer at the club, leaving no obvious internal faction pushing his case. That absence, however, should not deter Sir Jim Ratcliffe from considering the option seriously. Reports suggest recent conversations have taken place, and even if their viewpoints do not align perfectly, that gap feels manageable.

Critics point to Southgate’s difficult spell at Middlesbrough years ago or label him overly cautious. Yet England scored 213 goals in his 102 matches, and even at the 2022 World Cup, where criticism was loudest, his side netted 13 goals in five games. He may not be a gambler by nature, but organization, discipline, and clear direction are exactly what this fractured team has been crying out for, a sentiment echoed again on Cricket Exchange as debates continue.