Southgate: Man U links ‘completely disrespectful’

LONDON – England Manager Gareth Southgate has branded speculation linking him with the Manchester United job as ‘completely disrespectful’ to current boss Erik ten Hag and insisted he will not speak to any interested parties until after Euro 2024.

The 53-year-old has been Three Lions boss since 2016, but his current contract runs out in December and he previously revealed he considered walking away after England were beaten by France at the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. ESPN reported earlier this month that Southgate is viewed as a possible candidate to replace Ten Hag as new part-owners Ineos continue their efforts to overhaul United’s executive positions.

Speaking in response on Friday ahead of England’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley, Southgate said: “I think there are two things from my point of view, one is that I’m the England manager, I’ve got one job basically - to try and deliver a European Championship. Clearly before that, there are two important games this week.

“Second thing is, Manchester United have a manager and I think it is always completely disrespectful when there is a manager in place. I’m president of the LMA [League Managers’ Association] so I don’t have any time for that sort of thing really.” Sources have told ESPN that the Football Association are keen for Southgate to stay on through to the 2026 World Cup, but he has stated he will not make a decision on his future until after this summer’s finals. Pushed on whether this was still the case, Southgate said: “I think I’ve answered this every time I’ve sat with you. My focus is the European Championship. If we did a contract here before then everybody would be saying, ‘Why are you signing a contract before a Euros where you’ve got to prove yourself?’