Former England coach set to replace struggling Amorim at Old Trafford

Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held direct talks with former England manager Gareth Southgate as uncertainty grows over the future of under-pressure boss Ruben Amorim, talkSPORT reports.

Southgate, who stepped down as England manager earlier this year, was considered during United’s managerial search last summer.

At the time, he declined a return to club football, but recent discussions suggest he could now be open to the role if a vacancy arises.

Amorim has collected just 33 points from 34 Premier League games in charge, with his side’s latest 3-1 defeat to Brentford pushing United down to 13th place.

While he has publicly insisted he would leave without demanding compensation, insiders suggest sacking him immediately would cost United around £12 million.

The club’s hierarchy is therefore reluctant to make a hasty decision, with any managerial change more likely to come after November 1, when the cost of dismissal is expected to drop.

Should Amorim depart, Southgate is not the only option. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are also under consideration as potential replacements.