The Glazers control over Manchester United has been turbulent, to say the least.
The American-based owners have been accused of letting one of the biggest clubs in world football left to rot.
All the while, they profit financially, living off the clubs history.
However, this season has brought new optimism to Manchesters red side following the announcement that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acquired a stake in the club.
Although not the majority shareholder, it has been reported that Ratcliffe has control of the football operations at the club.
Changes behind the scenes are already starting to take shape, including Sir David Brailsford taking up a committee position, aiding in the football operation decisions.
Whilst Erik ten Hag remains in the top job at Old Trafford, speculation has been rife in recent weeks that Ratcliffe is preparing for next season and introducing a new manager.
The current England manager, Gareth Southgate, is reportedly at the top of the list to replace the Dutchman.
However, the fanbase has had a mixed reaction to this news, with many believing that Southgate is not the answer to United’s problems.
In this tactical analysis, we will delve into Southgate’s managerial statistics as well as others who have experience leading national sides as well as domestically.
Furthermore, we will assess Southgate’s tactics and provide an analysis of what is needed at Old Trafford to help them compete for titles again.
National and domestic crossovers
If Southgate were to be appointed at United, it wouldn’t be his first stint at club football.
The former defender led Middlesbrough from 2006 until 2009.
However, on paper, his time at the Riverside doesn’t make for the most positive reading.
As the above table shows, Southgate’s record in the north-east declined as the seasons went by in the top flight.
The 2008/09 campaign resulted in relegation from the Premier League.
The statistics



![Manchester City Vs Brighton [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: Why Pep Guardiola Tactics Dominated But Failed To Win – Tactical Analysis 4 Man City Vs Brighton 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Man-City-Vs-Brighton-20252026-350x250.png)
![Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The First Steps Of The Post-Rúben Amorim Era – Tactical Analysis 5 Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The Red Devils New Ideas And Potential Tactical Changes – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Burnley-2-2-Manchester-United-tactical-analysis-350x250.png)

![Bournemouth Vs Tottenham Hotspur [3–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: Andoni Iraola Plan Exposes Spurs Problems – Tactical Analysis 7 Bournemouth Vs Spurs 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bournemouth-Vs-Spurs-20252026-350x250.png)
