Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘top choice’ to replace Erik ten Hag at Man United makes future decision

Reported Manchester United managerial target Gareth Southgate has admitted that he does not plan to return to football in the near future.

Former England head coach Southgate, who is amongst the favourites to be the next permanent Manchester United manager, has previously received support from both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.

However, the former England manager has confirmed he is not ready to jump back into a role within the sport.

England manager for just shy of four years between 2016 and 2024, Southgate’s decision to step away from the role came just two days after the national team lost the final of Euro 2024.

Away from the national team job, the fifty-four-year-old had also previously spent time managing Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

Commenting on what will be next for him after leaving England, Southgate confirmed that he has had plenty of offers but is not yet ready to start his next role.

“I’m not going to rush into anything. I’ve got lots of opportunities, I’m very open-minded to what’s next,” Southgate told Sky News. “That might be in football, that might be outside of football.

“I’m just going to take some time, refresh, recharge and go from there. I think at the moment, people know that I need to get my energy back.”

Reiterating his desire to stay away from football for the time being, Southgate added the following:

“Eight years is a long time in the role, and I’m looking forward to different challenges ahead now, and I must say I am enjoying the rest.”

As far back as March of this year it had been reported that Southgate was the first choice of Sir Jim Ratcliffe to succeed Ten Hag as Manchester United head coach.

The Daily Star noted back in March that Southgate was seen by Ratcliffe as a top choice for the United head coach position, as well as having the support of Dan Ashworth.

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