Potential Manchester United Line-Up with Gareth Southgate as Manager

Manchester United's transformation under INEOS is underway, leading to numerous speculations about potential dramatic changes instigated by the incoming co-owners.

Many of these rumours address the long-term prospects of their manager Erik ten Hag, including potential candidates if he were to leave the club.

The recent conversation involves Gareth Southgate, the England manager, who is rumoured to be linked with Man Utd.

So, in case Southgate assumes the mantle, what should the fans anticipate?

This article projects a potential team lineup the English coach could deploy in the 2024/25 season...

Anticipate a five-man defence.

While Manchester United's vision includes an open, appealing style of football, those who have been watching England for the past eight years know that this is not Southgate's preferred approach.

Should he take over at Old Trafford, Southgate's primary responsibility would likely be to strengthen a defence that has already allowed 56 goals this season, including an astonishing 15 during the Champions League group stage.

Southgate would likely return to his preferred five-man defence format, turning Man Utd into a resilient, albeit potentially less exciting, team.

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GK: Andre Onana - After some initial difficulties at Manchester United, Andre Onana seems to have found his stride following his return from AFCON duties with Cameroon. It is likely that the former Inter goalkeeper will retain the top spot for some time.

RWB: Kieran Trippier - The first new face is quite familiar to Southgate. The England international has always been a favourite of Southgate which may make him a cost-effective option for Man Utd, especially since Newcastle United may be forced to offload their captain due to FFP considerations.

CB: Jean-Clair Todibo - Shifting to a pricier choice, the centre-back owned by INEOS has been linked with Old Trafford for some time and his pace and versatility would make him a perfect fit for Southgate's five-man defence, offering solid coverage for Trippier on the right flank.

CB: Harry Maguire - With a new contract, a return to the captaincy, and even a statue outside Old Trafford if Southgate takes over, Maguire can expect the full package.

CB: Lisandro Martinez - Given his crucial role within Erik ten Hag's squad when fit, it's reasonable to anticipate Martinez holding a similar role in Southgate's team.

LWB: Luke Shaw - Shaw has demonstrated that he's among the Premier League's best left-backs when fit. His contributions to Southgate's English team in the past, including scoring in the lost Euro 2020 final, make him a vital asset.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo - With Southgate's admiration for Mason Mount, there's no way he would side-line Mainoo. The young footballer has been a shining light in Man Utd's 2023/24 season and has the makings of a future superstar.

CM: Kalvin Phillips - Despite the seeming ridiculousness of a Phillips-Man Utd signing with any other manager, it's not out of the question with Southgate. Southgate has consistently favoured Phillips in his squads irrespective of his club-level playtime.

RW: Bruno Fernandes - Southgate prefers deep-lying midfielders, and this might result in Fernandes playing on the right wing. This position wouldn't hamper the Portuguese international, who has excelled on the flank when deployed there previously for United.

ST: Rasmus Hojlund - Manchester United have been linked with many forward options of late, but they shouldn't overlook young Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has been outstanding when fit in recent times.

LW: Marcus Rashford - Given that he is the sixth-most capped player under Southgate, it suggests that this manager trusts Rashford. As Rashford is one of the top scorers for England under Southgate, he could be a key asset in Manchester as well.