Luke Shaw has endorsed Gareth Southgate as Man Utd 'hold talks' with manager

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has previously heaped praise on Gareth Southgate with the former England manager reportedly being considered to replace Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician finds himself under mounting pressure following their latest setback in Saturday's crushing 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

The loss ensured that United are yet to string together consecutive Premier League victories under Amorim as they squandered the positive momentum generated from their triumph over Chelsea the previous weekend. United dropped to 14th position with Brentford overtaking them in the table, prompting suggestions that a managerial shortlist is already being drawn up to succeed the 40-year-old.

TalkSPORT reported that Southgate is one of three candidates being lined up to fill the Old Trafford hot seat, alongside Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola. It is claimed Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the United minority owner, has already held talks with Southgate.

And United full-back Shaw has previously expressed admiration for Southgate after becoming a mainstay in his international set-up, when fitness permitted. "To be honest, I don't really understand the criticism," Shaw declared last July before England lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain.

"I think what he's done for the country, for us as players as well. I think he's really took us to the next level. I think no manager has really been as successful as him as what he's done recently.

"It's now another semi-final, and for me and us as players we love him. I think he's really good. He's exactly what we need. For us, he always puts the players first and for that we're able to go out on the pitch and try to be at our best.

"I think, for me, personally, I've got a lot to thank him for, because he showed a lot of faith and trust in picking me when he didn't have to. For that, I'll always be thankful. But for me now I need to repay the faith that he's shown in me."

The former England boss has remained without a club since stepping down following the Three Lions' heartbreaking loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Nevertheless, he has been repeatedly tipped for the United role.

Last October, Southgate declared that he wouldn't return to the dugout within the year amid rumours that he could take over from Erik ten Hag at United.

"I won't coach in the next year, for sure. I'm certain of that," Southgate said. "I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time."

Nevertheless it is thought Amorim is admired by Ratcliffe and will be a contender should Amorim lose his job.