Former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole says former England head coach Gareth Southgate is the “obvious choice” to replace Erik ten Hag in the United dugout.

Many believe that ten Hag has two games to save his job and, if a replacement is required, Cole believes Southgate will be targeted as he has worked with sporting director Dan Ashworth before:

“Gareth Southgate is the obvious choice for Manchester United. If you look at the ownership group, with Dan Ashworth – he worked with Southgate at the FA and it actually reminds me a lot with when Gareth took over at England and having to steady the waters.”

While most United supporters are not thrilled by the prospect of Southgate’s appointment, Cole believes the 54-year-old will be deemed a safe pair of hands by Ashworth and INEOS:

“The fans weren’t happy, and he managed to galvanise them and it might be the right place at the right time for Gareth and I hate talking about next managers when the manager is still in play but it’s really tough to look at Manchester United and – knowing how football is – know that they must be thinking about doing something.”

The United board are sticking with ten Hag for now

In the aftermath of the embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham, there were calls for the manager to be sacked straight away but it is believed the Dutchman does still have the backing of the board.

As mentioned, the next two fixtures against Porto (in the Europa League) and Aston Villa will be crucial, as a decision on ten Hag’s future could be made during the next international break.

Southgate is not the only man in the frame

While many, including Cole, regard the former England boss as the favourite for the job, there are also suggestions that United could appoint current assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on an interim basis.

Other names who have been linked include Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna as well as former Chelsea coaches Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Joe Cole was speaking ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Porto this Thursday. To get his tips and predictions every week, visit Paddy Power News

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here