"I am certain of that" - Gareth Southgate comments on future amid Manchester United links
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has insisted he is in no hurry to return to the touchline amid reports linking him to Manchester United. Southgate stated that he is on a break and will not be taking any position for the next year.
Speaking at the European Club Association’s general assembly, Southgate claimed that he was taking time to focus on himself as the pressure of being the England manager was immense. He also hinted that his eventual return will be to club football and not another national role. He said (via Telegraph):
“Sometimes when you are in a big role you don’t realise the weight until it’s gone. It is one of those jobs where everybody has an opinion. I am enjoying my life so there is no rush. For 11 years I committed fully to the national federation. I won’t coach in the next year for sure. I am certain of that. When you come out of a big role you need to give your body time, your mind time.”
"[A return to] club football? Depending on what role that is. I have been fortunate to have worked with fantastic players. You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day. It is unlikely to be another national federation. England was from the heart.”
Gareth Southgate left his role as the England manager after the Three Lions lost the EURO 2024 final to Spain. He has been linked with the Manchester United job with Erik ten Hag's future in the balance.
Gareth Southgate dismissed Manchester United links earlier this year as well
Gareth Southgate has been linked with the Manchester United job for the last few months and the Englishman has constantly rebuffed the reports. He was quizzed about the role in March this year when Erik ten Hag was under pressure and he hit back, saying (via ESPN):
"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."
Manchester United have not sacked Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman is said to be under pressure after a poor start to the season. The Red Devils have had their worst-ever start to a Premier League season in the 2024-25 campaign.