Gareth Southgate “wants” the Man United job over Erik ten Hag for one reason

Gareth Southgate wants to replace Erik ten Hag as manager of Manchester United for one reason, according to Richard Keys.

Everyone knows about Gareth Southgate‘s links with Manchester United in recent weeks – it is said that INEOS are considering the England boss to take over from Erik ten Hag should the Dutchman be let go this summer.

However, when Southgate himself was questioned about the job, he dismissed the rumours, labelling them “disrespectful”.

Read More: Man United icon dismisses Kobbie Mainoo comparisons – he is like two Barcelona legends

“I think there are two things from my point of view,” Southgate told the media last week.

“One is I’m the England manager. I’ve got one job to try and deliver a European Championship (and) before that, two important games this week (against Brazil and Belgium).

The second thing is Manchester United have a manager. And I think it’s always completely disrespectful when there’s any speculation about a manager that’s in place. I’m president of the LMA (League Managers Association), so I don’t have any time for that sort of thing, really.”

However, beIN Sports pundit Richard Keys has explained that despite these words, Southgate does, in fact, want the job for one reason – it is not a job that will likely ever come up again for him.

“He’s smart enough to realise that it will be the right time to leave the England job after the Euros,” Keys said (via GiveMeSport).

“If he wins it (I hope he does, but I’m not convinced), then there’s nowhere to go. If he doesn’t – that will be three major tournaments he’s failed in. Again – there will be nowhere to go. He can’t stay on and run the risk of failing in four.

“The United job will only ever come up once. If he doesn’t take it – that’s it. Despite the recent denials – make no mistake, he wants it. He won’t ever be coming from the same place of strength as he is now.”

Rumours have suggested that the English FA would demand a compensation package of around £800,000 should United poach Southgate from their grasp following the EURO 2024 Championships.