Gareth Southgate talks about his relationship with the manager and the club’s senior players – 48 hours since close friend Steve Holland became Manchester United’s number two
Gareth Southgate could be back on Manchester United’s radar (Image: Adrian Dennis – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The timing of Gareth Southgate’s comments could not be more ironic. Less than 48 hours after Steve Holland parachuted into Manchester United, Southgate has gone public with his views on the current power struggle between the manager and the club’s leadership.
“The erosion of managers’ authority has been gradual over many years,” he said. “It has been accelerated by the widespread introduction of football, technical or sporting directors, who now oversee long-term football strategy, report directly to the CEO or owner (or both) and sit structurally above the head coach.
“Personally, I have no problem with this evolution. Strategy, culture, planning and continuity are essential to the success of any organization and football clubs are no exception.”
Is it a nod to United co-owner and friend Sir Jim Ratcliffe still being around and available for work?
read more: Manchester United keep an eye on PSG manager Luis Enrique, giving hope to contract situationread more: Manchester United to appoint Michael Carrick after senior star interferes with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s refusal
Because if Southgate is okay with people above him getting into his business, United could just be the perfect place for him. Especially considering the roles of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berada in the firing of Ruben Amorim.
There is nothing to suggest that Holland’s appointment as interim manager Michael Carrick’s assistant will lead to Southgate becoming Old Trafford manager in the summer.
There is nothing to suggest that Holland was sent to assess the state of the club before reporting to Southgate.
There is nothing to suggest United are considering Southgate as an option. And there is nothing to suggest Southgate wants to return to club management after a debilitating but successful spell as England manager.
Manchester United’s new No. 2 Steve Holland was Gareth Southgate’s right-hand man (Image: Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
But there is no hiding the fact that the United job remains one of the most iconic jobs in club football. Meanwhile, Ratcliffe considered appointing Southgate when it became clear that Erik ten Hag would be appointed. Mr Southgate was preparing for Euro 2024, but the timing did not suit him to completely withdraw from management after the tournament ended.
Theories continue to swirl around United like a swarm of locusts. Are the Netherlands putting Southgate on the building block, or is the former England number two using United to land a more attractive job in six months’ time?
Some may argue that if United wanted Southgate now, why didn’t they appoint him? He is available and free when it comes to rewards.
The truth probably lies somewhere in between. And one thing we do know is that Southgate is keeping himself relevant.
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