Bryan Robson is optimistic Manchester United stick with Erik ten Hag beyond the end of the season and believes the club’s interest in Gareth Southgate has been exaggerated by the media.
United have had another tough season and are currently in sixth place in the Premier League , trailing top-of-the-table Arsenal by 17 points with ten games left.
The Red Devils also had their worst Champions League campaign, finishing at the bottom of their group with just one win, and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after a humiliating fourth-round loss to Newcastle.
There are still serious doubts about Ten Hag’s position, especially as the Dutchman has not yet received public support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe following the British billionaire’s £1.3bn partial takeover at Old Trafford.
Several high-profile managers have been suggested as potential replacements for Ten Hag, and recent reports indicated that the club had made England head coach Southgate their top choice for the position if results deteriorate.
Ten Hag’s future will likely depend on United’s performance in the FA Cup and their ability to secure Champions League football for the next season.
But the former United captain Robson believes his old club should choose stability and continue to support Ten Hag regardless of how the season ends.
‘Personally, I have to say that due to the frequent managerial changes since Sir Alex [Ferguson], it’s not my decision, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Ten Hag at the club next season,’ Robson told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.
When asked if Ten Hag may need to qualify for the Champions League or win the FA Cup to keep his job, Robson bluntly replied: ‘Yes.’
Robson added: ‘If you get along with the people who manage the club, not necessarily the owners, but the actual club management, as a manager, it’s crucial that you have a good working relationship with them in order to be successful.’
Robson believes that the rumors linking Southgate to United are being promoted by the media to divert attention from England’s upcoming Euro 2024 campaign.
‘This is exactly what the media does. They want him to leave the England job now, as the competition approaches, instead of supporting him,’ Robson said.
‘And then he’s kind of losing his focus on England by mentioning Manchester United.’
Robson has been highly impressed by Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence at United and believes the young midfielder could have a ‘great career’ at both club and international level if he remains grounded.
‘It’s always great when you’re involved with a club and a young player comes through the academy and impresses both mentally and physically,’ the former United and England midfielder added.
‘I saw him during the pre-season when United visited the United States.
‘He played against Arsenal and faced Declan Rice. He performed well but unfortunately got injured, which kept him sidelined for a while.
‘His control and mental composure are impressive. He seems grounded and remains pleasant at the training ground.
‘So if he stays grounded, he has a great chance for a successful career with England and Manchester United.’
