Southampton: Impressive Hasenhuttl tipped for move to top-six side

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been tipped for an eventual move to Manchester United by journalist Alex Crook.

A lot has been made of the job that the Austrian has done to turn Saints around to a position of strength since their 9-0 loss to Leicester last season.

With the work of him and his players paying off and Saints rising up the Premier League table, it appears that he will only become more and more recognised as one of the best in English football at the moment.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Crook said:

"“He ‘s got the personality and the aura about him to handle the job at Manchester United, absolutely.“He’s a big man in terms of stature as well, he’s huge actually [he’s 6ft 2in].“I don’t think he’d be intimidated by managing those huge names, I really don’t. I think could well follow in Pochettino footsteps and go and manage one of the big clubs in the country.”"

For a Saints point of view, it is all about enjoying what could be a rewarding 2020/21 campaign for the club.

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A young group of players with real potential and a decent amount of experience mixed in look like they are fully understanding Hasenhuttl’s footballing principles now and could push back into the race for European qualification given that their style is causing many teams a problem.

Some good signings were made by Saints during the summer but it has been notable how key men have committed their futures to the cause.

Hasenhuttl himself signed a new four-year deal and was followed by captain James Ward-Prowse – a player who knows the club inside out and has transformed since his current manager has been in charge.

Contract negotiations are also reportedly continuing with the likes of Danny Ings, Ryan Bertrand and Jack Stephens as more players buy into the plans that are being put in place.

It is foolish to think that Hasenhuttl will be at the club for ever but his belief in what Saints have could well see him stay around for the next two to three years before leaving things in a much better state than when he joined.

Saints would then have to start the process again but would already have key managerial targets lined up as they have done in the past.

One thing is for sure – Manchester United would certainly not be his best choice of club anyway at this time.