9.6 C
Manchester
Friday, April 4, 2025
FootballMan United manager: Southgate calls rumours 'completely disrespectful' to Ten Hag

Man United manager: Southgate calls rumours ‘completely disrespectful’ to Ten Hag

England manager Gareth Southgate has said speculation that he is being lined up to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United after Uefa Euro 2024 is “completely disrespectful” to the Dutchman.

United have been heavily linked with Southgate this week, with reports claiming Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group, which has taken over football operations at the club, plan to sack Ten Hag and make Southgate their preferred target at the end of the season.

“I’m the England manager – I’ve got one job, basically, which is to try to deliver a European championship,” Southgate said of his task in Germany this summer, speaking before Brazil visit Wembley Stadium for a friendly on Saturday and Belgium follow suit on Tuesday.

“Manchester United have a manager. It’s always completely disrespectful when there’s any speculation about a manager who’s in place.”

Read our other sports news stories here:
FA defends new England shirt
Royals v Super Giants preview

Titans v Indians preview

The 53-year-old added that his position as president of the League Managers Association, which represents the interests of his counterparts throughout the English game, meant he did not “have any time” for rumours about coaches’ jobs while they are in post.

Southgate has caught the eye of clubs since taking charge of England in 2016, re-establishing the Three Lions as a force at tournaments by guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2018 Fifa World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.

A three-year spell at Middlesbrough in his first managerial role – Southgate’s only experience of the Premier League so far in his coaching career – was less convincing, culminating in his dismissal months after overseeing top-flight relegation.

Southgate to United rumours rage

The former Boro, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace centre-back has become as respected for his approach off the pitch as he has for his revival of the national team he once represented, and he has previously worked with Dan Ashworth, who is expected to take up a senior position at United, at the FA.

There was talk of Southgate leaving after England exited the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals at the hands of France, but their comfortable qualification for Euro 2024 has ensured he will have a chance to go one step further than he did at the most recent edition.

Whether Ten Hag will be at Old Trafford by the time those finals start in June could depend on how United end a largely underwhelming season.

With 10 league games remaining, the 20-time champions have a six-point gap to recover on Tottenham, who occupy the fifth position which is likely to mean Champions League football in 2024/25.

Ten Hag enjoyed the high point so far of an uneven campaign on Sunday, when United reached the FA Cup semi-finals with an extra-time win at home to a Liverpool side who are 17 points above them in the table.

Latest

Enviro Waste Management Reveals New Brand Identity with Commercial-Only Focus

Enviro Waste Management has announced a comprehensive rebrand to solidify its position as a dedicated provider of commercial waste services. Having previously offered solutions...

Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

A new digital service in Manchester is offering residents affordable access to tools and specialist equipment, eliminating the need for ownership. Tooltap Manchester, a locally...

Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Manchester is placing itself in prime position to become the home of a new national facility that will be central to the UK’s ambition...

Garden centre run by one family for six decades, up for sale

A garden centre that has been run by the same family for 60 years, is now in need of a new owner. Business property adviser,...
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

Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

A new digital service in Manchester is offering residents affordable access to tools and specialist equipment, eliminating the need for ownership. Tooltap Manchester, a locally...

Woman discovered in River Mersey last year is identified

A woman who was discovered in the River Mersey last year has been identified following an extensive police investigation. She can now be named as...

XIMEA Introduces World-Leading 245MP Camera with Sony IMX811 BSI Sensor

Renowned for its innovation in high-performance imaging, XIMEA has added a new powerhouse to its xiX-XL line – a medium format camera equipped with...

Kaur Sutherland Champions Wellbeing-Focused Conveyancing Practice

As demands on the conveyancing sector continue to rise, law firms are being challenged to maintain quality, stay profitable, and look after the mental...

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...