June 6th 2024.
Gareth Southgate's contract as England manager is coming to an end this year. The possibility of him leaving the national team has been a topic of discussion, especially with the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. It seems that Southgate's success in this tournament could determine his chances of taking on the role of Manchester United manager.
As he prepares to lead England into the Euros, the Football Association is eager for Southgate to sign an extension. However, the 53-year-old has not given any assurances about his future. Rumors have been swirling that he may be considering a move to club management, regardless of England's performance in the tournament.
In fact, Southgate has been identified as one of Manchester United's top targets should their current manager, Erik ten Hag, be relieved of his duties. United's new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is said to greatly admire Southgate and the English manager was even in attendance at a birthday celebration for Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport for INEOS, in February.
But United's victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final may have strengthened Ten Hag's case to stay on as head coach. The Red Devils have yet to make a final decision on the position, and other names like Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thomas Tuchel have also been linked with the job.
Harry Redknapp, former manager of Tottenham and QPR, believes that Southgate will need to win the Euros to stand out as the top candidate for the United job. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Redknapp stated that Southgate's performance in the tournament will be a key factor in his chances.
"If we have a disaster in the Euros, I wouldn't think he's going to suddenly become the Man United manager," Redknapp said. "But if he does come out as a winner, he's got great options and the chances are if the Man United job is available, he'd be the favorite."
Southgate himself has been quick to distance himself from the United rumors, stating that his contract situation "is not an issue and never has been." He is fully focused on delivering a successful tournament for England and taking the team further than they went in the last Euros.
However, he acknowledges that there will always be speculation about managers and their future. "For me, it's a brilliant opportunity," he said. "We're looking forward to the tournament and my focus is on how do we go a step further than we went in the last Euros."
In the end, Southgate's performance in the Euros will ultimately determine his future, whether it be with England or potentially with Manchester United. But for now, his focus remains on leading England to success in the tournament.
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