Manchester United make final decision on Gareth Southgate appointment with Erik ten Hag still in limbo

However, with United finishing eighth and toiling in the Carabao Cup and Champions League, the Dutchman's future remains uncertain.

United have spoken to candidates about potentially arriving at Old Trafford, with Thomas Tuchel holding face-to-face talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week.

According to the Mirror, United's interest in Southgate was concrete.

Yet they have now opted to 'move on' from the England boss. What it means for Ten Hag, however, remains unclear.

United have been conducting an end-of-season review behind the scenes, with Ratcliffe determined to get this decision right.

Ten Hag has the backing of the majority of United fans, especially after winning two trophies in as many years since his arrival from Ajax back in 2022.

The 54-year-old would like to stay and keep working with the club, something he confirmed in the aftermath of their shock cup final win over City.

Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank have also been linked with his job while the Dutchman remains in limbo.

De Zerbi impressed during his time at Brighton, with the Italian recently leaving the Seagulls to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Pochettino is available after he left Chelsea by mutual consent, despite steering the Blues to sixth in the Premier League table.

And Frank is believed to have impressed during talks over the United job, too.

However, as things stand, it's still unclear what the Red Devils hierarchy will decide to do.

When it comes to Southgate, the report says the Football Association would like the 52-year-old to stay on past this summer's European Championships.

There are fears he could choose to walk away from his role, having been in charge of the national side ever since 2016.

England are ready to offer Southgate a new challenge in order to ensure he stays put, regardless of what happens at the tournament in Germany.

The FA feel there is no obvious candidate to take over from Southgate if he does choose to walk away.

Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have emerged as potential picks but neither seems willing to take the England job at the current moment in time.

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Southgate was asked about his future last month - and the 52-year-old insisted he was only focused on helping England win Euro 2024.

"Well, for me, it's not an issue and never has been," he said.

"I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there's enough work involved in that.

"I think everybody would expect that's where my focus should be."

When quizzed further, he added: "There will always be speculation about managers, because if you lose a couple of games, you're in trouble - you win a couple of games and it is a different agenda.

"But for me, it [Euro 2024] is a brilliant opportunity. We're looking forward to the tournament.

"My focus is on how do we go a step further than we went in the last Euros [when they were beaten on penalties in the final by Italy]."