Manchester United have a new part-owner in Sir Jim Ratcliffe and rivals like Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are still waiting to see what the wider ramifications of his presence in the Premier League will do to one of its most historic clubs.
United have been an underwhelming iteration of themselves ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left having not won a league title or Champions League whilst their city rivals under Pep Guardiola have gone on to dominate and their nemesis Liverpool have won both aforementioned accolades with Jurgen Klopp.
However, perhaps what has surprised most are the recent reports linking England manager Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff with a move to Old Trafford.
The Daily Star claimed that Ratcliffe had made Southgate his top target to take over from Erik ten Hag, whose days in Manchester could be numbered.
Southgate is currently in the throes of the final months of his current deal, which expires in December.
There are suggestions the FA does indeed want to renew them, despite the fact critics, such as myself, would argue a golden generation could do with a more adventurous coach rather than the sensibility and restrained approach of the former Middlesbrough boss.
With that said, a switch to Manchester opens up a very interesting scenario for Arsenal’s Benjamin White.
Southgate revealed that White had made himself unavailable for selection prior to the games against Brazil and Belgium.
“John McDermott had a call from Edu last week to say that Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at this time. For me, that’s a great shame,” Southgate said.
“He is not available to us and there is no issue between us at all and I also should say there is never any issue with Steve Holland because that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.”
Later that same day, a report in the Athletic appeared to contradict Southgate’s claims regarding assistant coach Holland.
In any case, it appears that the easiest way for White to return to the national side would be when a change of management occurs.
Should Ratcliffe successfully make that happen and lure Southgate to United then it would open the door again for White to make a U-turn on his England decision. This would, however, have mixed results for the Gunners.
International breaks are currently a great time for recovery for White and Arsenal welcome the chance for him to stay and train at the club’s base.
A trip to Dubai earlier this season allowed White to recuperate and rediscover his best form having been carrying a knee issue through the first half of the season.
However, being back in the England team whilst taking this away could bring more experience and knowledge to White from whoever takes over the reins of the England setup.
There are pros and cons but from an Arsenal point of view; perhaps the biggest benefit would be Southgate becoming the Manchester United manager. Take that as you will.
