Former England manager Gareth Southgate insists there is no rush to return to the dugout despite being named in Manchester United’s hot seat. The 55-year-old has been out of work since stepping down from his role with the Three Lions last summer. During his time with England, Southgate led the team to two European Championship finals and reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018. His last game as a manager was a 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
He has since been tipped as a possible successor to Ruben Amorim at United following the Portuguese manager’s difficult start to life at the club. Last month, reports suggested that Southgate would offer specific terms if United approached him about the Old Trafford position.
However, in recent weeks the club’s fortunes have improved under Amorim. The Red Devils secured their third successive Premier League win before Saturday’s 2-2 stalemate with Nottingham Forest.
Mr Southgate has made his position on the appointment of a new management team clear. The former England manager has indicated that a return to the touchline is not currently in the cards.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he said: “I had a great time. Obviously the great thing about England is that there is a higher purpose. I joined the FA to help improve English football, especially the development of the youth. Somehow I stumbled into the first-team manager’s job and I had a really good time.”
“I don’t want to stay in football. It’s great that I’ve been playing football for 37 years.”
When asked if a major director role could tempt him again, he replied: “Well, I’ve just seen Martin O’Neill go to Celtic at his age, so I can’t say never. But that’s not my priority at the moment. I enjoy the leadership work, I enjoy working with young people and I’m very determined to make a difference there.”
“So, no, I’m very relaxed about not being involved in football at the moment.”
Just a few weeks ago, he spoke at the Aspire Academy Global Summit, an event where people from the world of professional football come together to exchange expertise. He starred alongside Rafa Benitez, Carli Lloyd, Wilfried Nancy, and Alessandro Nesta.
Southgate said at the summit: “The most important thing for the development of football is the development of coaches.”
“We’re all constantly learning, and bringing people together to share experiences and ideas helps us all grow, especially as the game continues to evolve.”
Despite his achievements in England, Southgate’s experience in club management remains limited. His only spell in charge was at Middlesbrough, from the summer of 2006 to October 2009, when the team suffered relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2008/2009 season.
