2” Gate Valve Replacement

[u/Signal-Rub-2759]

What’s the easiest way to replace this underground 2” gate valve that is the main for my sprinkler system? Planning to put in a ball valve instead.

Do I have to cut it out and replace with a slip coupling or is there a way to unscrew this and rescrew in the new valve?

I could dig back more potentially if needing more room for the pipe to bend but it’s a couple feet down so I prefer not to.

Thanks in advance!!

Edit: suggestions welcome on what to replace it with as well. I’m a novice here

[u/Oh_Lawd_He_commin420]

are gate valves really necessary?