Three Manchester United Players Who Will Benefit If Gareth Southgate Agrees Manager Deal

Manchester United find themselves at another crossroads regarding the future of manager Ruben Amorim after a damaging 3-1 defeat to Brentford. The loss has undone the momentum gained from their narrow victory over Chelsea just a week earlier, leaving fans and officials questioning whether Amorim can turn the tide. United’s inconsistency continues to pile pressure on the Portuguese coach, who is yet to deliver the stability the club craves.

Amorim had hoped to use United’s favourable fixture list to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since taking charge in November 2024. Instead, the latest setback has thrown his job into further jeopardy. Reports indicate that the board is losing patience, and the 40-year-old may be dismissed if results fail to improve before the October international break. For United, the clock is ticking.

As speculation grows, several names are being linked as potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner are believed to be in the frame, but one of the standout candidates is Sir Gareth Southgate. According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the former England manager has emerged as a serious option for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is keen to appoint a steady hand if Amorim is let go.

Southgate’s reputation is well-established after guiding England to two European Championship finals during his eight years in charge. While his methods divide opinion, particularly among United supporters who doubt his ability at club level, his man-management and ability to get the best from certain players could be crucial. If appointed, Southgate would walk into Old Trafford with ready-made relationships with stars like Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, while also offering fresh opportunities to other members of the squad.

One of the biggest potential beneficiaries would be Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder has endured a stop-start season under Amorim, often restricted to cameo appearances and recently culpable for an error that led to Brentford’s third goal. Despite his promise, Mainoo has struggled for consistent backing at club level. Under Southgate, however, his prospects could dramatically improve.

The 55-year-old coach demonstrated his faith in Mainoo at Euro 2024, where the midfielder transitioned from substitute to first-team regular alongside Declan Rice. Mainoo thrived on the international stage, dictating play and proving himself capable of handling the pressure at the highest level.

Should Southgate take over at United, he would likely hand Mainoo a central role, pairing him with Casemiro in a midfield double pivot to solidify the team’s spine.
Another player who could flourish is Noussair Mazraoui. Under Amorim, the Moroccan has struggled for a clear role, shuffled between right centre-back and wing-back. Southgate’s system, however, would suit him perfectly.

Much like Kyle Walker’s role for England, Mazraoui could provide defensive security on the right flank while also contributing to build-up play and delivering crosses from deep positions. In Southgate’s setup, the full-back would finally have the clarity and consistency needed to become a key part of the starting XI.