Ruben Amorim 'lost Man Utd players and wants out' with 'Gareth Southgate set to takeover'
Ruben Amorim has endured a nightmare start to life as Manchester United boss and has been tipped to leave the club in the near future with Gareth Southgate a possible replacement touted by Richard Keys
Richard Keys has suggested that Ruben Amorim is already eyeing an exit from Manchester United and reckons Gareth Southgate could be the next boss at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager, who took over in November after a successful stint at Sporting Lisbon, has had a rocky start, suffering six Premier League defeats already.
Despite his preference for a 3-4-2-1 setup, which he built his success on in Lisbon, Amorim has struggled to implement it effectively due to a lack of players at United who can play it effectively. Yet, he hasn't deviated from his tactics, leading Keys to claim that while United's top brass wanted Amorim, they didn't want him his current style of play.
Amorim has been outspoken, even conceding that they might be "maybe the worst team in Manchester United's history". According to Keys, Amorim has lost the dressing room with his blunt assessments and is looking for a way out.
The ex-Sky Sports presenter has tipped Southgate, who is currently without a role following his departure from England, as a potential successor.
Keys shared his thoughts on Twitter: "Best informed guess re-United. They wanted Amorim but not 3-4-3. Had to sack ETH and accept it.
"Amorim lost players when he called them s***. He wants out. Cheaper to replace him than spend £1b on players to play his system. He goes. PR king Gareth Southgate takes over. Let's see.."
Amorim is sticking to his guns, insisting on his footballing philosophy even after a defeat to Newcastle in December. When quizzed about potential changes, he firmly stated: "Maybe - or you continue with your idea and they have to change the coach.
"It is a choice everyone has to make in football. I was here because of my idea and I will continue with my idea until the end."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who sacked Ten Hag earlier this season mere months after expressing confidence and extending his contract, is keen to avoid another misstep in management decisions at Ineos. With pressure mounting, he might be compelled to make a move.
Southgate has been previously tipped for the Old Trafford job, his tenure with England saw them reach back-to-back finals in the Euros and a World Cup semi-final. His adept handling of the press also won him plaudits, an attribute that could serve well at Old Trafford.