GARETH SOUTHGATE has inadvertently helped Erik ten Hag twice as the Dutchman clings on to his job at Manchester United.
The former England boss, 54, quit his role with the Three Lions after Euro 2024.
Even prior to his England departure, Southgate was linked with the potential post at Old Trafford.
He is believed to be well thought of by the Red Devils’ Ineos chiefs, and would likely emerge as a target if Ten Hag were to be sacked.
But Southgate recently ruled out returning to management in the next 12 months, even opening the door to a role outside of the dugout.
In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.
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“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.
“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.
“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”
Southgate’s comments would appear to rule himself out of any potential role at United.
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And by quitting his job with England, he appears to have inadvertently taken Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favourite for the United job out of the running too.
Ineos chief Ratcliffe, 71, is believed to be a big fan of new England boss Thomas Tuchel.
In June the pair met in Monaco, with a potential vacancy at United among their topics of discussion.
With Tuchel signing an 18-month, £7.5million deal to manage England from January 1, however, he would appear to be out of the running too.
Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford appeared to be hanging by a thread following United’s 3-0 home drubbing by Tottenham.
Subsequent draws with Porto and Aston Villa saw the Dutchman cling on to his position going into the international break.
Should Ten Hag be sacked, his replacement, at least on a caretaker basis, could be promoted from within.
It was recently claimed that first team coach and club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy was “on standby” to take the position, should Ten Hag be axed.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
