Former England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he won’t take another job for twelve months at the very least.
The 54-year-old has been touted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United but, speaking at a European Club Association event in Athens, Southgate said:
“I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that. I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”
The vast majority of United supporters on X are happy that Southgate won’t be in the frame if ten Hag is sacked:
Good. Stay away from United
— Spiko (@Spikonation) October 10, 2024
— blep (@FreudianBlip) October 10, 2024
Nobody wants your bus parked mate.
— Alex Racoviceanu (@RacoviceanuAlex) October 10, 2024
Thank god for that 🤣 enjoy your break or early retirement
— Mark Whittaker (@djspoonie) October 10, 2024
that’s one off the list ticked off
— usman szn (@UthmanOladejo) October 10, 2024
Nobody was interested
— Kinzaa (@lethal_eyes11) October 10, 2024
Take all the time you need big dawg
— Frank Castle (Skip) (@mmiles_morales1) October 10, 2024
Why was Southgate linked with the United job?
The Englishman has a close relationship with United sporting director Dan Ashworth. The pair worked together at the English Football Association for several years.
There was a belief that after transforming the culture within the England national team Southgate could do a similar thing with the Red Devils.
Who is the favourite to replace Ten Hag?
While ten Hag is unlikely to be axed during the current international break, his job is on the line. If performances don’t improve over the next month or so, the board will be forced into making a decision.
At the bookmakers, former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is the frontrunner, with United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy the second favourite to take over.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
