9.2 C
Manchester
Sunday, April 27, 2025
FootballGareth Southgate Man United rumours: Man City's Stones wants boss to stay...

Gareth Southgate Man United rumours: Man City’s Stones wants boss to stay with England

Manchester City and England defender John Stones wants Gareth Southgate to remain as Three Lions boss amid speculation linking him with Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, which has taken over football operations at Old Trafford, reportedly want Southgate to take over from Erik ten Hag.

When Stones was asked about the situation while sitting alongside Southgate, the 53-year-old, who had earlier called rumours about him replacing Ten Hag “completely disrespectful” to the Dutchman, reassured his player that there was no obligation to answer the question.

“I personally want him here,” replied Stones, an international regular under Southgate. “I agree it would be disrespectful to speak about a team that already has a manager.”

Read our other sports news stories here:
Southgate addresses Man United rumours
FA defends new England shirt
Royals v Super Giants preview

Southgate’s achievements, including a run to the 2018 Fifa World Cup semi-finals and 2020 Uefa Euro final, will have caught the attention of leading clubs but the former Middlesbrough manager said he would not speak to any suitors before Euro 2024, which begins for England against Serbia on June 16.

England have home friendlies against Brazil on Saturday and Belgium on Tuesday. “I don’t see friendly games as a friendly game,” said Stones.

“It’s against one of the best teams in the world [Brazil] over the past I don’t know how many years.

“It’s a bit different this time with a lot of injuries [for Brazil] and a new manager [Dorival Junior], but it’s a great test for us to get something out of it and move onto the game on Tuesday and finish this week off with two wins.”

England v Brazil: Stones ‘special’

Another excellent season from Stones has helped put City in contention for a successful Premier League title defence, with some pundits crediting the 29-year-old as one of the finest players of modern times thanks to his ability to advance and impress across the length of the pitch.

“It’s been fabulous to watch his journey from a right-back in the under-21s in the first game we picked, moving across to centre-back,” said Southgate, referencing his time in charge at youth level.

“We always knew he had a special talent with the ball. He also values defending. I hold him up as an example to young defenders.

“He’s stepping into midfield and fulfilling that dual role. He’s tactically aware. I can’t speak highly enough of how he is to work with.”

Latest

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Advance train tickets now available on TransPennine Express machines

Advance train tickets are now available for customers to buy using TransPennine Express (TPE) ticket machines. Advance train tickets are single, one-way tickets purchased in advance...

Planning pressures pushing firms to the brink, property expert warns

Planning pressures set UK developers up for failure, pushing more firms to the brink, Landwood warns. UK developers are abandoning unfinished projects as cashflow pressures...

DVLA bans more than 500 new number plates

A Freedom of Information request made by private plate supplier Regtransfers reveals the banned number plates from the forthcoming  ‘75’ release. These latest plates will...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Police appeal following serious assault in Bramhall

Detectives are seeking the public’s help with enquires after a serious assault took place in a bar in Stockport. Sometime around 12.40am on April 19,...

Cellcycle and Kerry Logistics Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Battery Supply Chain in the UK

UK-based battery recycling expert Cellcycle, part of the SER Group, has signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Kerry Logistics (UK), a member of the...

Advance train tickets now available on TransPennine Express machines

Advance train tickets are now available for customers to buy using TransPennine Express (TPE) ticket machines. Advance train tickets are single, one-way tickets purchased in advance...

More News

Manchester United going ‘in good direction’, Ten Hag says despite results

Manchester United's results show the club is going "in a good direction", manager Erik ten Hag has said despite his side's thrashing by Liverpool...

bet365 becomes official global partner of UEFA Champions League

bet365, one of the world’s leading online betting companies, has announced a historic sponsorship agreement, becoming the first official sports betting partner of the...

Manchester United: Getafe hope to keep Greenwood

Getafe president Angel Torres is confident Mason Greenwood will return to the Spanish club on loan next season if Manchester United can’t sell him...