Recently, there has been a lot of chatter about Gareth Southgate potentially taking over as the manager for Manchester United. However, Southgate himself has made it clear that he finds this speculation to be disrespectful towards Erik ten Hag, the current boss at Manchester United. Southgate emphasized that he is fully focused on his role as the England manager, with his primary goal being to lead the team to success in the upcoming European Championship. Despite his contract ending in December, Southgate has not entertained any discussions regarding his future outside of the England setup.
While the Football Association (FA) is reportedly keen on retaining Southgate as the England manager through to the 2026 World Cup, the man himself has made it clear that he will not make any decisions about his future until after the Euro 2024 tournament. Southgate believes that committing to a new contract before proving himself in the upcoming competition would be premature and open him up to unnecessary scrutiny. His focus remains solely on the European Championship, and he has dismissed any talks of his potential move to Manchester United.
Ahead of England’s friendly against Brazil, Southgate confirmed that Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, and Jordan Henderson will be sidelined due to injuries. This has raised questions about who will lead the attack in Kane’s absence. Southgate, however, remained evasive about his choice between Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, hinting that they may be competing for a single spot in the squad, assuming Kane is fit to play. With discussions about whether three out-and-out strikers are necessary in a 23-man squad, Southgate emphasized the importance of versatility and adaptability in player selection, considering factors such as injury statuses in other positions. Both Watkins and Toney have been in good form, with Ollie’s recent performances for the national team earning him praise from the manager.
Upon careful analysis of the original article, I have tried to delve deeper into the key points raised by Gareth Southgate’s comments regarding the speculation surrounding his potential move to Manchester United. It is clear that Southgate values loyalty and commitment to his current role as the England manager, seeking to deliver success for the national team before considering any other opportunities. The article also highlights Southgate’s approach to squad selection, emphasizing the need for players who can adapt to different roles and contribute effectively to the team’s performance.