Manchester United are “highly unlikely” to pursue former England boss Gareth Southgate if they decide to replace Erik ten Hag in the near future, according to a report.
Southgate announced on Tuesday that he would resign as the Three Lions boss after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. This fixture marked England’s second successive tournament final following their penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021.
Even before revealing his plans to leave the England camp, Southgate had been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a potential replacement for the under-fire manager Ten Hag. Despite the speculation, Manchester United have since extended Ten Hag’s contract, which will now see him lead the Red Devils until 2026. However, should United struggle at the start of the 2023/24 season, the club will not make a move for Southgate, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Manchester United’s management is fully focused on ensuring Ten Hag’s reign is successful. If the club faces difficulties and requires a new manager, they are more likely to consider Thomas Tuchel rather than Southgate.
Tuchel, the former Chelsea boss, was one of the names considered to replace Ten Hag earlier this summer after he decided to leave Bayern Munich. Despite Southgate being well-liked by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United are not inclined to favor a move for him.
To support Ten Hag, United have already started strengthening their squad. The club announced the signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday, which adds more options in their attack.
Additionally, reports suggest that United are closing in on signing Leny Yoro ahead of Real Madrid. The Lille defender has agreed to travel to England to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
Southgate’s tenure with England has been marked by significant achievements, including leading the team to back-to-back European Championship finals. Despite his success with the national team, Manchester United seem set on pursuing other options if the need arises to replace Ten Hag.
Tuchel, with his proven track record and recent experience in the Premier League, is viewed as a more suitable candidate should a managerial change become necessary.
For now, Manchester United are putting their full support behind Ten Hag, aiming to build a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level. The signings of Zirkzee and the potential addition of Yoro indicate the club’s commitment to bolstering their team.
While Southgate’s future remains uncertain after his resignation from the England role, it appears unlikely that Old Trafford will be his next destination. Instead, Manchester United are preparing for the upcoming season with Ten Hag at the helm, focusing on achieving success and stability under his leadership.
