Gareth Southgate to Man United: Latest news on links to Red Devils manager job for England's Euro 2024 coach

Brad Cox

Gareth Southgate to Man United: Latest news on links to Red Devils manager job for England's Euro 2024 coach image

Gareth Southgate has continuously been linked to taking over from Erik ten Hag as the new Manchester United boss since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover was ratified in the early stages of 2024.

While Ten Hag is still the manager, the new ownership has seen the Dutchman essentially placed on trial as they look to get United back to the top of English football.

United are now 11 years without a Premier League title and 16 years without being crowned the European Champions.

The Sporting News takes a look at the Southgate rumours and the latest news linking the England manager to the job.

MORE: Man United summer transfer targets 2024

Is Gareth Southgate going to Man United?

Southgate is currently joint-favourite to become the next Man United manager with Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss.

The England manager has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months but speculation has gone quiet as the European Championship in Germany approaches.

The rumour mill could ramp up next week following the FA Cup final which has the possibility of being Ten Hag's final game in charge if the club decides to move on. That would be far from ideal going into a major tournament that England are among the favourites to win.

Ahead of England's March international friendly with Brazil, Southgate was asked about the reports linking him to the United job, to which he replied: "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."

If Southgate is to be the new United boss, it could be an awkward reunion for Marcus Rashford who was left out of England's preliminary Euro 2024 squad by Southgate on May 21.

Gareth Southgate's managerial career

YearTeam
2006–2009Middlesbrough
2013–2016England U21
2016–England

Erik ten Hag's future at Man United

While it's claimed that Southgate would be the preferred new head coach, Ten Hag still has an FA Cup final to prepare for.

With his contract running out in the summer of 2025, Ratcliffe and his new hires have a decision to make. The noise surrounding his status as manager has been a distraction and results have shown that the Dutchman led United to their worst-ever Premier League finish (8th) in 2023/24.

MORE: Was the 2023/24 season United's worst ever?

Getty Images

The club have two realistic options: Back Ten Hag publicly and hand him a new contract, or part ways no matter the score in the cup final.

It would be unhealthy and unfair to keep the 54-year-old in the dark as he heads into his final year of his current deal. Not to mention the impact it could have on players not knowing who their coach will be in 12 months' time.

Considering the poor results and a likely second-straight defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final, it wouldn't be a surprise if Ten Hag's days at Old Trafford were coming to an end.

United have been in this position before when they sacked Louis van Gaal a day after winning the 2016 FA Cup final, when the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in extra time.

Why would Man United hire Gareth Southgate?

Southgate emerges as an unconventional, perhaps unwanted, but potentially suitable candidate.

Known for his communication skills, ability to manage egos and flexible tactical approach, proven with England's best tournament performances in decades, he could suit United's imbalanced squad.

The other aspect of all this is that those expected to be making this decision are familiar with Southgate already. While Dan Ashworth is yet to come in as the new sporting director, he and Sir Dave Brailsford share a relationship with the England manager. Ashworth appointed Southgate as manager of the Under 21s and called him an "exceptional leader" after the Three Lions' run to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup.

"The environment that has been created is down to him. All managers lead in a slightly different way but you’ll have seen him work as Under 21 coach and senior coach," Ashworth said.

"He’s got a really good understanding of getting the best out of the players and staff. So what’s ended up happening is that Gareth has brought together a way of working for the players and the staff that means it is one big group of people. He has to take the credit," he added.

Dan Ashworth 021524
getty images

While Southgate’s limited experience at club level is a concern to many, United might just need a practical, resilient, and politically savvy manager.

He is not a perfect candidate for an ideal Manchester United side but could be well-suited for the current challenges at the club.

The England manager's existing contract will expire in December 2024 but according to BBC Sport, the FA are happy with his performance as the head coach of the men's national team would look to extend his stay if that is something the manager wishes to do.

Brad Cox

Brad Cox Photo

Brad is a content producer for The Sporting News and has previously worked for the likes of Squawka and The Athletic. His career highlight to date is reporting from the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final in Paris.