Gareth Southgate has rubbished “completely disrespectful” rumours linking him with the Manchester United job.
Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified Gareth Southgate as a top candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, should the club decide to sack the Dutchman.
Ten Hag has been manager since 2022 and he enjoyed an impressive first season at the club. However, the former Ajax coach has faced scrutiny throughout the season due to his team’s inconsistent performances and poor results.
Poor results are to blame for United’s league position, which is sixth, but we somehow still stand a chance of qualifying for the Champions League. That is why we need to finish the season strongly and there’s also a chance of silverware after United reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
Southgate has addressed speculation ahead of England’s friendly match against Brazil, only to stress that he is focused on his job as Three Lions manager.
“There are two things,” Southgate told reporters, as quoted by The Metro.
“I’m the England manager, I have got one job basically. To try and deliver a European Championship. Clearly, before that, we have two important games this week.”
The former Middlesbrough boss added: “Secondly, Manchester United have a manager, and I think it is completely disrespectful that there is any speculation over a manager’s place. I am president of the League Manager’s Association. I don’t have any time for that sort of thing.”
Of course, we are not naïve enough of think that Southgate would push back the prospect of talks with United if Ineos Sports group were to make a move.
That said, I don’t think we need to change managers. Southgate wouldn’t be my choice if we did.
His contract with the England national team is set to expire after the upcoming European Championships, but he was unwilling to talk about his future beyond Euro 2024.
“My focus is the European Championship,” Southgate said.
“If we did something, a contract before, everyone would be saying, ‘why are you signing a contract before the Euros?’ I’m certainly not going to speak to anyone else before that. I never have. I have been eight years in the job. I wouldn’t entertainment speaking to anybody else when I am in a job.”
England take on Brazil on Saturday night. That friendly is followed by another against Belgium on Tuesday.
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