Jose Mourinho assesses Manchester United’s links with Gareth Southgate

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho told Gareth Southgate that he could succeed in any job in football after his time as England manager.

According to reports, Southgate, 53, has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed United boss Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils’ manager.

The report which comes from ESPN, noted that Southgate was one of several names alongside current Premier League managers Robert De Zerbi and Thomas Frank.

The news that Southgate could potentially be in line to replace Ten Hag has so far been met with a largely negative reception from United fans, with several stating that the report was a “joke.”

Despite the passionate beliefs of several United fans about Southgate’s potential at Old Trafford, the Englishman has some Premier League managerial experience, alongside his time as the national team manager.

Speaking on his time as England manager, Southgate would tell Sky Sports back in December of last year, “There isn’t a job in world football that would intimidate or daunt you, having lived this one.”

He would further elaborate on how when former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was still in the role, Mourinho had informed Southgate that after England, Southgate could “do anything.”

“I remember talking to Jose (Mourinho) when he was at Man United,” Southgate stated. “And he said to me, ‘When you’ve done the role you’re in now you’ll be able to do anything really’.

“I thought that was probably right, but seven years into it it’s definitely right. I’m confident in this role and whatever might be in the future.”