Gareth Southgate: Conversations have NOT taken place with Manchester United

Gareth Southgate has rubbished reports that he has engaged in discussions to become the next Manchester United manager, insisting his focus is on his role as England’s head coach.

Southgate’s comments come less than a week after regarded journalist Santi Aouna claimed that Ineos had identified the Englishman as their top target for the United head coach position.

The current England boss has some experience managing in the Premier League but has not taken charge of a game in the competition for over a decade.

Last taking charge of a Premier League game in May of 2009, Southgate spent just over three years as Middlesbrough manager, where he achieved minimal success.

A one-time Premier League manager of the month, Southgate would also oversee Middelsborough’s relegation to the Championship as they finished 19th in the 08/09 season.

Commenting on a possible return to club management with United, Southgate stated that no conversations have taken place between him and the management team at the Red Devils.

Speaking to ITV News, the current England boss confirmed that no discussions will be taking place shortly between him and the club.

“Well, I’m not a big gambling man, and bookies, they can make their odds but it’s not conversations that’s been had with me,” Southgate stated.

“I’ve got one thing to focus on. That’s having as successful a tournament with England as possible. Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me.

“If I start talking about that, then I’m already distracted from what I’m doing. So, I think the country would expect that my focus is on England, and rightly so it is.

Are Southgate’s comments a surprise?

In short, no. UtdDistrict had reported earlier this month that Southgate was “not liked” by several people within the club.

This was first reported by UtdDistrict as early as April, with sources close to the club, but not INEOS believing Southgate is not the right man to succeed Erik ten Hag should the Dutchman leave the club.