Respect Ten Hag, Southgate Doesn't Want to Discuss Opportunities to Handle MU

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Gareth Southgate confirmed that he would not discuss the possibility of coaching Manchester United (MU) after Euro 2024 because it would be seen as disrespecting Erik ten Hag who is still in charge at Old Trafford.

Southgate's contract with the England national team will expire at the end of this year. Despite this, the former Aston Villa defender from the 1990s has not yet agreed to a new contract that would keep him in charge The Three Lions until the 2026 World Cup.

On Friday (22/3/2024), Southgate stated that discussions regarding extending the contract with the English Football Association (FA) would be postponed at least until Euro 2024 ends.

“There are two things I need to pay attention to. First, I am the coach of the England national team. Basically, my focus right now is Euro 2024,” said Southgate as reported AFP on Saturday (23/3/2024).

“And secondly, Manchester United already has a coach, and I don't think it's appropriate to discuss speculation about a coach who is still in his position,” he added.

Southgate has been linked with the possibility of taking over as MU coach after this season ends, replacing Erik ten Hag, as the team's performance has not met expectations of finishing in the top four of the Premier League standings.

These rumors emerged because Southgate has a close relationship with Newcastle United's Sports Director, Dan Ashworth, who is reported to be joining the club based at Old Trafford.

Currently, Southgate is preparing for his fourth tournament with the England national team during his coaching period. Previously, England reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, lost in the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties, and were stopped by France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.