Ineos are making it easier to predict who they want Manchester United's next manager to be

It is only 16 days since Bruno Fernandes lifted the FA Cup on the Wembley balcony after Manchester United's impressive 2-1 win over Manchester City.

But for most United supporters and journalists alike, it feels like much longer. A fortnight after Ineos opened their end-of-season review, they are still yet to communicate a decision on Erik ten Hag's future.

The Dutchman ended the 2023/24 campaign under pressure after overseeing the club's lowest-ever finish in the Premier League era. They finished eighth in the table, meaning only their FA Cup triumph secured European participation next term.

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But there is one question everyone wants an answer to: who will be leading United next term?

Over the weekend, it emerged that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had held talks with former Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel. The duo reportedly met in Monaco, only for the outcome of those talks to result in Tuchel deciding the time was right for him to take a break from management.

United are understood to have made contact with the representatives of a handful of prospective candidates, including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. However, the former United coach, like Tuchel, distanced himself from Old Trafford by putting pen to paper on a new contract at Portman Road.

Links with Mauricio Pochettino, who has insisted he is ready for a swift return to management, continue to persist.

Then, of course, there is Gareth Southgate, who is gearing up for his fourth major tournament as England manager. The Three Lions kick off their European Championship campaign on Sunday, facing Serbia, and Southgate is fully focused on the task at hand.

However, with Tuchel distancing himself from the job, McKenna committing his future to Ipswich and rumours about Pochettino swirling around without too much substance, there is a sense, certainly from this correspondent, that all of the indications point towards Southgate. He is respected and admired by members of the Ineos Group and has previously worked with Dan Ashworth, who United remain determined to appoint as their inaugural sporting director.

The big obstacle standing in Ineos' way is Euro 2024, where Southgate will be determined to take England one step further than he did three years ago. The England chief is fully focused on that objective and was never going to leave the FA in the lurch in the build-up to a major tournament.

However, the fact his contract with the FA is up at the end of this year means this summer's tournament could be Southgate's last as England manager. Whatever happens over the next few weeks, many believe an appropriate juncture is approaching for England and Southgate to go their separate ways.

If Southgate chooses to step aside or the FA decide against renewing his deal, Ineos could have a free run at landing a manager their inner circle is fond of. Many United supporters, quite rightly, have reservations about appointing a manager who has not worked in club football since 2009, but Ineos figures, including Ratcliffe, admire the 53-year-old, who has done an admirable job as England manager since being parachuted into the role in 2016.

The way in which Ineos are delaying making a decision on Ten Hag, who they have not ruled out retaining, does create a feeling they may be waiting for Southgate. Nobody has established themselves as a frontrunner to potentially replace Ten Hag, despite all of the big-name managers who have been linked with the post and that feels somewhat telling.

Southgate is understood to be a match for the culture Ineos want to implement at Old Trafford. It is also significant that he is admired by Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe and Ashworth.

If United are to appoint Southgate, it won't be happening this summer, unless we experience a shock turn of events. If England reach a second consecutive European Championship final, Southgate would be taking charge of England less than 24 hours before United's pre-season opener on July 15.

One way or another, Ineos need to provide some clarity as soon as possible. But if they choose to stick with Ten Hag for the time being, don't be surprised if Southgate is selected to replace him further down the line.