Gareth Southgate's stance on replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager

Gareth Southgate is said to have admirers within Ineos, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe rating him highly, but he had no interest in discussing a possible move to Manchester United during Euro 2024 when he was still England boss

Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, has previously dismissed rumours of him taking over as Manchester United's manager. However, he is now considered a strong contender to replace the beleaguered Dutchman.

Southgate was heavily linked with the managerial position at Old Trafford during the summer, amidst uncertainty about Erik ten Hag's future, while he was preparing for the Euros in Germany. The 54 year old led England to the final before resigning following a 2-1 defeat to Spain.

It is reported that Southgate has admirers within Ineos, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe who holds him in high regard. However, he showed no interest in discussing a potential move to United while he was still committed to his role with England.

Now that he is jobless, it is possible that the ex-Three Lions manager might be open to a move to Old Trafford, given that his previous hesitation was due to his focus on his international duties and not wanting to speculate about his future.

The Daily Star suggests that he is a candidate if Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to dismiss the struggling Dutchman, with Inter Milan manager Simeone Inzaghi also being considered as a potential replacement. Ten Hag's position as United's manager appears precarious after their crushing 3-0 home loss to Tottenham, which leaves them in 12th place in the Premier League table.

"I'm not a big gambling man and bookies, they can make their odds but it's not conversations that's been had with me," Southgate expressed during the summer. "I've got one thing to focus on. That's having as successful a tournament with England as possible. Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me."

"If I start talking about that, then I'm already distracted from what I'm doing. So, I think the country would expect that my focus is on England, and rightly so it is. We've had three tournaments where we've taken the public on a brilliant ride."

After eight memorable years, Southgate decided to end his tenure with England, which saw him reach the 2018 World Cup final, the Euro 2020 final and the Euro 2024 final - with Southgate himself asserting he was in no hurry to take up a new role.

"I've got lots of opportunities, I'm very open-minded to what's next that might be in football, that might be outside of football," Southgate revealed to Sky News this month.

"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. I am not going to rush into anything I want to make sure I make good decisions."

Southgate has not held a club position since he began his managerial career with Middlesbrough in 2006, before facing relegation from the Premier League in 2009.

For the time being, Ten Hag's position appears secure despite Southgate being among the potential successors. The Dutchman will be given the upcoming two matches against FC Porto and Aston Villa to prove his worth.