Manchester United’s struggles deepened with a 3-1 defeat to Brentford, and former England star Joe Cole believes the club should already be eyeing a new manager. Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole argued that Gareth Southgate would have been the “perfect” choice to succeed Erik ten Hag last November and remains the right fit if Ruben Amorim is dismissed.
Brentford sink United as pressure mounts
Amorim recalled Matheus Cunha to the starting XI, but United’s bright start quickly faded. Igor Thiago struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes to put Brentford in control. Benjamin Sesko pulled one back before the break, yet United’s response faltered. Bruno Fernandes saw a second-half penalty saved, and deep into stoppage time, Mathias Jensen sealed a 3-1 victory for the hosts.
The defeat once again highlighted United’s tactical flaws. Players looked uncomfortable in Amorim’s rigid 3-4-2-1 system, struggling to interpret their roles in key moments.
Joe Cole backs Southgate for culture reset
Cole reflected on Amorim’s arrival, recalling how the Portuguese coach was once hailed as a “bright young spark” who could transform United. But after a string of iffy performances, he thinks the mix is bad. Cole hinted the club needs a “culture change”, identifying Southgate as who they should turn to and lauding his understanding of both the league and players, even throwing in that he could link up with figures like Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
He was speaking to Southgate’s track record with England, where he broke down cliques in the team and fostered a sense of unity as proof that he could have a calming influence at Old Trafford.
Author’s Opinion
Amorim’s insistence on deploying Bruno Fernandes deeper in midfield has blunted United’s creativity and exposed defensive gaps. A shift that allows Fernandes to operate higher up, with Kobbie Mainoo given more responsibility in the pivot, could make United far more effective. While Southgate may appeal as a stabilising option, Amorim still has the chance to show he can adapt and salvage authority — if he evolves quickly.
As featured on ManUNews.com
