Man Utd given clear message by Gareth Southgate on replacing Erik ten Hag after board meeting
Gareth Southgate doesn't plan to return to management until next year
Getty
Gareth Southgate has ruled himself out of replacing Erik ten Hag if the Manchester United board decide to sack the Dutchman before next year.
United's disastrous start to the season has piled pressure on Ten Hag with questions being raised on whether he will remain in charge for their next game.
They've won just three of their opening 10 matches in all competitions and have suffered their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Ten Hag remains confident that he's the man to turn things around at Old Trafford having been given a contract extension in the summer.
Gareth Southgate doesn't plan to return to management until next year
GettyBut Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United chief executive Omar Berrarda, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and Sir Dave Brailsford were all present at a meeting this week where reports indicated Ten Hag's future was discussed.
Details of the meeting have not been leaked so far with Ten Hag going off on a short holiday.
An issue United face in deciding to sack Ten Hag is picking a replacement with Southgate touted as one of the favourites.
The 54-year-old left his role as England head coach after the Euro 2024 final and has indicated that he wouldn't take the United job if it was offered to him right now.
“Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush," Southgate said.
“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.
“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.
“I need to give myself time to make good decisions.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe held a board meeting this week
PA"When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”
He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.
“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.
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Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future at Manchester United
PA“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.
"Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.”
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