The Daily Star claim an FA Cup triumph and qualification for next season’s Champions League might not even be enough to save Ten Hag. And if the Dutchman loses his job, United’s new decision-makers are eager to appoint Southgate.
The 53-year-old has helped turn England into regular contenders at major tournaments. In the job since 2016, he steered the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2020 and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
And while Southgate is primed to take England into the next edition of the Euros in Germany this summer, his position on taking the United job if he is indeed offered it may have already been revealed.
In a piece for the Players’ Tribune three years ago, Southgate confessed he was “a young Manchester United-supporting midfielder whose hero was Bryan Robson” as he recalled watching the midfielder score twice against France at the 1982 World Cup.
And he regretted not playing for United in a playing career that spanned over 400 Premier League games at Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He admitted in 2020: “I had two goals.
“I wanted to play for England and Manchester United actually. I never got the chance to play for Manchester United. One out of two wasn’t bad.”
And on top of his love for United, Southgate has already made it clear he wants another go at managing in the Premier League. The 53-year-old has not coached in the league since 2009 when a 151-game spell with Boro ended with the sack after relegation to the Championship.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I was 35 years old when I managed in the Premier League. We finished 12th and 13th, and I knew nothing like what I know now. Everybody would talk about Middlesbrough.
“‘Oh, he got Middlesbrough relegated’. Well, yeah, in the third year, we got relegated. But I had three years of Premier League management. I know that I could do that [bring the atmosphere in the England camp to a Premier League club]. There’s no doubt in my mind.
“There isn’t a job in world football that would intimidate or daunt you, having lived this one [England], frankly. You’re not going to have any higher profile, you’re not going to have any greater pressure, you’re not going to have any more complex issues.
“I’m confident in whatever might be in the future. Of course, I’m not going to be here [as England manager] for 20-30 years. I don’t know what the future will be. I’m very calm about that.
“I remember talking to Jose (Mourinho) when he was at Man Utd and he said: ‘you know, 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.”
And that would indicate he’d love to take the United job, although the FA are hoping to convince Southgate to remain as England boss beyond the Euros. They would like him to lead the country into the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking about the prospect of a fifth major tournament as the national team’s manager, Southgate said last week: “I have to deliver in the job I’m in, so there’s no point in me thinking any further ahead than that. My focus is delivering the best possible European Championship for England.
“We’ve consciously shelved any discussions internally about what might be next. I think that has the potential to negatively affect the team. The team need the clearest run they can possibly have at this tournament, so my job is to remove pressure where possible.”
