Gareth Southgate has already made feelings clear on next job amid Man Utd links

07 March 2024 , 08:32

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Gareth Southgate has emerged as a target for Manchester United (Image: Lukas Schulze/UEFA)

Gareth Southgate previously stressed that no job would daunt him amid reports touting the England manager as a potential target for Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are now calling the shots at Old Trafford after acquiring a 27.7 per cent stake in the club. The deal Ratcliffe struck with the Glazers gives him full control over sporting matters and significant chances have already been made off the field.

The next big decision on Ratcliffe's agenda is whether to stick or twist on Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has overseen an underwhelming campaign and is expected to be sacked if United fail to qualify for the Champions League. And while no concrete decision has been made over Ten Hag, plenty of high-profile names have been touted for his job in recent weeks.

A new report from ESPN on Wednesday revealed that Southgate is on a three-man shortlist if Ten Hag is given his marching orders in the summer. Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford head coach Thomas Frank are the other two names under consideration.

Southgate is under contract with The Football Association until December and is poised to take charge of his final international tournament this summer during the European Championships.

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While he has been coy about what the future holds after life in England, he made it clear that no job would intimidate him after his experiences over the past seven years.

During an interview with Sky Sports back in December, Southgate said: “I was 35 years old when I managed in the Premier League and we finished 12th and 13th. I knew nothing like what I know now. There isn’t a job in world football that would intimidate or daunt you, having lived this one.

Join the debate! Do you think Southgate would be a good appointment for Man Utd? Let us know here.

Erik ten Hag's long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain (AFP via Getty Images)

"I remember talking to Jose (Mourinho) when he was at Man United and he said to me: 'When you've done the role you're in now you'll be able to do anything really'. I thought that was probably right, but seven years into it it's definitely right. I'm confident in this role and whatever might be in the future.

"Of course, I'm not going to be here for 20/30 years and I don't know what the future will be. I'm very calm about that, but I'm not worried about what that might be."

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Dan Marsh