Gareth Southgate 'contacted by Ratcliffe' as Man Utd weigh up Ruben Amorim future

Ruben Amorim is feeling the heat after Manchester United suffered another Premier League defeat. After a triumphant 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford last weekend, Amorim had the opportunity to secure consecutive league wins for the first time since his arrival at United nearly a year ago.

However, he fell short once again, presiding over a disappointing 3-1 loss to Brentford. United were on the back foot in the early stages as the Bees raced to a 2-0 lead, before Benjamin Sesko's maiden goal for the club sparked hopes of a comeback.

But when Bruno Fernandes failed to convert a penalty following a controversial decision not to send off Brentford's Nathan Collins, it was clear that luck wasn't on United's side. The Bees netted a third in injury time, handing Amorim his 17th league defeat in just 33 matches.

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The United boss was asked if was confident he could turn it around following the defeat to Brentford, Amorim responded: "It’s like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is there.

"When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum. Guys, I'm always doing my job. If I win, I'm in a different state of mind. That is normal. I'm always confident because I know what to do."

He added: "Guys, I cannot tell you more than what I say every time when I lose the game.

"Sometimes we see a team that performs really well and you see improvements, and then sometimes you don’t see that improvement that gives you the confidence to say that Manchester United is going to get back."

Now, rumours about his future are escalating, the Mirror takes a look at the latest reports.

Man Utd make 'three-man shortlist' to succeed Amorim

According to talkSPORT, Gareth Southgate is on Manchester United's three-man shortlist to potentially replace Amorim - and he's already been in direct contact with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It's reported that United are likely to hold off until November to make their move.

This would minimise the compensation package, as Amorim will have completed 12 months in charge. Ratcliffe has reportedly reached out to Southgate in recent weeks to assess the feasibility of him stepping in, having been jobless since stepping down as England manager in July 2024.

Manchester United have reportedly shortlisted Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola as potential replacements for under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.

Southgate, the former England manager, was previously linked to the role before his departure from the national team, and his name resurfaced during the process of appointing Amorim, who could be facing a four-game ultimatum.

Ratcliffe feelings clear about Amorim

According toBBC Sport, Manchester United's top brass, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are still firmly behind Amorim. The report quashes rumours of a shortlist being prepared, asserting that the Old Trafford bosses are fully supporting the Portuguese manager to steer the ship in the right direction.

Ratcliffe believes it's only just to evaluate Amorim over an entire season with what the United co-owner perceives as the appropriate squad for advancement. Insiders also reveal that no replacements are currently being considered.

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