Roy Keane and Gary Neville believe Dan Ashworth’s impending arrival at Manchester United could pave the way for Gareth Southgate to replace Erik ten Hag as manager.
Ashworth is still on gardening leave at Newcastle United while the two clubs thrash out a compensation package but he is expected to be named sporting director at Old Trafford over the coming weeks.
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He worked with England boss Southgate during his time at the Football Association and former United heroes Neville and Keane believe that could be significant.
Asked if he envisaged Southgate succeeding Ten Hag, Keane told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: “I could see that happening.
“Obviously everyone’s thinking he’s probably going to be with England this summer if he has a good [European] Championship, thinking if they could win it. And if they don’t, then maybe they’re thinking you’ve ran your race with him.
“His connection with Dan Ashworth, who he has worked with previously. Yeah, I’m not that surprised with it.”
Neville said he has done an about-turn on Southgate and wonders what the future holds for Dutchman Ten Hag with United sixth in the Premier League and in the FA Cup semi-finals where they will play Coventry City.
He said: “I never saw Gareth Southgate as a Manchester United manager, psychologically, I never saw that.
“I can see it now, now Dan Ashworth has come in. I just think, what does Erik ten Hag need to do to stay as Manchester United manager? So, for instance, is the FA Cup enough, or does he need to get top four, or top five, Champions League?”
