Gareth Southgate has been linked with the Manchester United job (Pictures: talkSPORT/Getty)
England boss Gareth Southgate should reject the advances of Manchester United if they offer him the manager’s position at Old Trafford, according to Graeme Souness.
Southgate has been linked with the United job as Erik ten Hag continues to struggle to convince the club’s hierarchy and fanbase he can bring the glory days back to Manchester.
The Red Devils are currently sixth in the Premier League – nine points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and 17 adrift of leaders Arsenal – while their Champions League campaign ended in a miserable group-stage exit.
Manchester United will wait until the end of the season to make a final decision on Ten Hag and could well stick with the Dutchman if he delivers Champions League qualification and the FA Cup ahead of a semi-final against Coventry City.
But it should concern Ten Hag that his club are already looking at alternatives and view Southgate, 53, as a possible managerial target.
Southgate has had a mixed eight-year spell with England – taking the Three Lions deep into three major tournaments but failing to lift any silverware with a team generally considered one of the best in Europe.
Euro 2024 may represent Southgate’s final chance to win a trophy with England but Souness believes he should continue in the role and resist the temptation to return to club football, even if Premier League giants Manchester United come calling.
Erik ten Hag could be moved on at the end of the season (Picture: Getty)
‘This is a golden period for English football,’ Souness told talkSPORT. ‘I would stick with this group of players if I was Southgate.
‘I think they can only get better given the age group. Manchester United is an enormous job, Gareth had one go at club management and that didn’t go too well for him.
‘He was very fortunate to get the job but now he’s in a glorious position. This group is getting better and better and haven’t peaked yet so I would sit tight.
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‘I don’t think it would be a good fit [for Southgate at Manchester United]. I’ve met him and he comes across as a thoroughly decent man.
‘But that job carries a hell of a lot of weight. Every move and decision you make is scrutinised. My advice to him would be no. I don’t see there being a quick fix at United.’
Southgate addressed the speculation linking him with the United job in his pre-match press conference before England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil over the weekend.
‘I’m the England manager,’ he said. ‘I have one job basically, to try to deliver a European Championship.
Southgate has been in charge of England since 2016 (Picture: Getty)
‘Before that there are two important games this week. Manchester United have a manager. It’s disrespectful with any speculation.
‘Every time I’ve sat with you I’ve said my focus is on the European Championship. I’m not going to speak to anyone else when I’m in a job.’
The 1-0 loss to Brazil was England’s first defeat at Wembley in 21 games. They will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they play host to Belgium in another friendly.
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