Gareth Southgate doesn't want the Man Utd job
Gareth Southgate is unlikely to pursue the Manchester United managerial position. Despite speculation linking him to the role, the England manager is reportedly inclined to opt for a sabbatical following Euro 2024. This decision suggests that Southgate prioritizes taking time off from coaching duties over immediately transitioning to a new club role. It reflects his desire for a break from the demanding nature of football management, allowing him to recharge and reassess his future career prospects.
Sam Allardyce has emphasized that Gareth Southgate has no interest in taking up the Manchester United managerial position, despite ongoing speculation linking him to the role at Old Trafford. Allardyce's statement underscores Southgate's commitment to his current role as the England national team manager and suggests that he has no immediate plans to leave his post.
This stance indicates that Southgate is focused on his duties with the England squad and is not actively pursuing opportunities elsewhere in club football. It highlights the strong bond between Southgate and the national team setup, reaffirming his dedication to leading England's footballing aspirations.
After managing England for a single game in 2016, Sam Allardyce was succeeded by Gareth Southgate, who has since achieved notable success with the national team. Under Southgate's leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition, and the final of Euro 2020.
Despite Southgate's impressive track record, there have been rumors linking him to a potential move to Manchester United, reportedly due to the interest of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who admires the former Middlesbrough manager. However, Allardyce remains skeptical about the likelihood of Southgate accepting such an offer to join Old Trafford.
This skepticism reflects uncertainties about Southgate's willingness to transition from his current role with the England national team to a managerial position at Manchester United. It underscores the complexity of Southgate's potential career decisions and the various factors that may influence his choices, including his achievements with England and his rapport with the team.
The bigger scene for Southgate
As England intensify their preparations for Euro 2024, they recently faced Brazil and Belgium in international friendlies, suffering a defeat against Brazil and securing a 2-2 draw against Belgium. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, was questioned about the possibility of him taking over at Manchester United. In response, Southgate criticized the speculation, deeming it "disrespectful," particularly given the proximity to a significant tournament like the Euros.
His reaction reflects his focus on the current task at hand with the England national team and his desire to avoid distractions that could undermine team morale or detract from their preparations for the upcoming tournament. This incident highlights the pressure and scrutiny that managers face, especially when linked with high-profile club positions during crucial stages of their international managerial tenures.
What next as Southgate continues to prepare England for Euros
England will persist in their Euro 2024 preparations, gearing up for matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in the group stages of the tournament. Meanwhile, Manchester United will resume Premier League action this weekend with a fixture against Brentford.
This juxtaposition highlights the differing focuses of the two teams: England concentrating on international competition, while Manchester United shifts its attention back to domestic league affairs. The distinct contexts of these upcoming matches underscore the diverse challenges and objectives faced by both the national team and the club as they navigate their respective campaigns.
