Gareth Southgate is in line to get a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.
The former England manager will be rewarded the gong after leading the Three Lions to two European Championship finals.
Southgate also led the country to a World Cup semi-final but has not got a single trophy to show for his time in charge.
The 54-year-old will follow in the footsteps of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson in being knighted for services to sport.
After United’s treble-winning season in 1999, Sir Alex Ferguson earned a place on to Queen Elizabeth’s birthday honours list and was awarded a knighthood.
Southgate was made an OBE in 2019, but the decision to give him a knighthood has thrown up some interesting debate about who else in the sporting world is deserving of an honorary title.
Gordon Hill recommends Lou Macari for a knighthood
Lou Macari was once known as a Manchester United icon, skipping down the wings.
Nowadays, Macari is doing more than being a name for a fish and chip shop outside Old Trafford.
The 1977 FA Cup winner is the driving force behind the Macari Centre, which is a shelter for homeless people, situated near Stoke-on-Trent.
At the Macari Centre, they strive to provide the best care for their guests and assistance to help them get their lives back on track.
This is an issue that Macari has tackled for many years – offering his time and energy to helping those in need.
That is why fellow United legend Gordon Hill believes Macari deserves a knighthood as much as – if not more than – Southgate.
Celebrating the work of a Manchester United legend
Last year, Macari received the inaugural John Duncan Award at the League Managers’ Association awards. It’s an award that recognises outstanding achievement.
The award was presented to Macari for his life-changing work with the homeless in Stoke.
Macari helps so many people and his work is probably life-saving in many ways. It shows his incredible influence on and off the field.
People like Macari deserve to be on honorary lists. It’s a bonus that he is a legend that will forever be part of Manchester United history.
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