Gareth Southgate to Man Utd: The state of play

Tom Weber

22 Mar 2024 20:43 GMT
3 min read

Gareth Southgate has shut down the speculation linking him to the Manchester United job.

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The England boss has become the subject of a seemingly strange transfer rumour. With Erik ten Hag under pressure at Man Utd, the 53-year-old is reportedly being viewed as a potential replacement for the Dutchman.

First talk of Southgate being considered by the new Red Devils hierarchy surfaced at the beginning of March and it has since snowballed into a massive story. In recent days, it has been claimed that the Three Lions head coach is Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'number one option' to succeed Ten Hag.

It is thought that Southgate has the backing of several influential players and senior figures at Man Utd, such as incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and Ratcliffe's right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, having previously collaborated with both.

The England boss has now responded to the sensational links.

Southgate plays down links

Facing the media ahead of England's Saturday friendly against Brazil, Southgate said: "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. Secondly, Manchester United have a manager and I think it is completely disrespectful there is any speculation over a manager’s place."

Earlier on Friday, Sky Sports had also played down the links with Man Utd. Melissa Reddy revealed that one source at the club expressed bemusement at the association with him, insisting that it would be strange for the Red Devils to look at a manager who hasn't been in charge of a club in 15 years.

Reddy states that Man Utd have not yet made a decision on Ten Hag's future. Finally, the financial side of sacking the Dutchman and appointing Southgate must also be considered. In the event of his firing, Ten Hag would pocket up to £10 million, while buying the Three Lions boss out of his deal - which runs until December rather than the summer - would cost an additional £800,000.