Gareth Southgate has watered down links to Manchester United whilst also claiming that discussing it is also “disrespectful”.
Southgate, who has been linked with a shocking move to Manchester United in recent weeks has insisted that he is focused on leading England to glory at the 2024 European Championships.
Gareth Southgate has been the manager of the Three Lions since September 2016 and he has been impressive in handling the side.
The former Middlesbrough boss guided England to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and subsequently led the country to the final of the 2020 European Championships.
The Three Lions were just a penalty away from winning their first international trophy since the 1966 World Cup, however, they buckled under pressure during the shootout.
England and Italy had settled for a 1-1 draw in normal time and extra time, with penalties needed to decide the affair.
The penalty shootout ended 3-2 in favor of the Italians, with the Three Lions leaving to fight another day.
Anyway, the 2024 European Championships could be the opportunity to clinch glory, as England have been tagged as favorites for the crown.
The squad is bubbling with several fantastic names, including; Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Declan Rice.
Although some of these players are unavailable for action due to injury, they are expected to make the cut for the European Championships in the summer.
Why is Gareth Southgate linked to Manchester United?
Southgate is hugely admired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and key lieutenant Sir Dave Brailsford, and they are interested in appointing the Englishman as a replacement for Erik Ten Hag.
Ten Hag hasn’t been able to get Manchester United going this campaign, with the team enjoying only purple patches of some sought.
The victory against Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup earned Erik Ten Hag some trust, but rumors of him possibly leaving Old Trafford in the summer remain sprawling.
Manchester United sit 6th on the Premier League table with 47 points from 28 matches, and they are 9 points away from 4th placed Aston Villa, who have amassed 56 points from 29 games.
It is unknown if England would be handed an extra slot, given the expansion of the Champions League from 2024/25, and even at that, the Red Devils even sit away from what should be the extra spot.
Tottenham Hotspur sit 5th on the table, with 53 points from 28 matches – 6 points better than Manchester United.
Gareth Southgate’s only venture into club footballing management was with Middlesbrough from July 2006 to October 2009.
Southgate is believed to be loved by English players at Manchester United and that was said to be a key factor in his possible appointment.
Southgate on links to the Old Trafford side
Speaking regarding reports linking him with the hot seat at Manchester United, Gareth Southgate said:
“Man United links? They have a manager and it’d be extremely disrespectful to talk about that”.
The 53-year-old then reiterated that his attention is shrouded in the national team of England and his target is to lead them to glory at the 2024 European Championships.
“I’m the England manager. I’ve got one job, to try and deliver a European championship. I have nothing to say”, he said.
Southgate’s contract with England expires in December 2024, and it will be fascinating to see where his future lies. However, the English FA are interested in handing him a contract extension till the 2026 World Cup.
