Former England manager Gareth Southgate has recently addressed speculation linking him to the Manchester United job should Erik Ten Hag depart. The 57-year-old stepped down from his position as England’s head coach after Euro 2024, following a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the final.
This marked his second major final defeat with the national team, having previously lost to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final. Despite these near-misses, Southgate has been credited with unifying the England squad and revitalizing the national team’s culture. However, he has also faced criticism for failing to secure England’s first major trophy since 1966.
Southgate’s name has been connected with the Manchester United managerial role, largely due to his relationship with Dan Ashworth, Manchester United’s sporting director. The two worked closely during their time at the Football Association, leading to speculation that Southgate could be considered a candidate if Ten Hag is replaced. Nevertheless, Southgate has made it clear that he is in no rush to return to management.
Speaking at the European Club Association’s general assembly, Southgate told BBC journalist Simon Stone that he intends to take a break from coaching for at least a year. “I won’t coach in the next year, for sure,” he confirmed. “I’m certain of that. I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role, you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”
In the meantime, Southgate has taken up a role as a UEFA technical observer, a position that will keep him involved in football while giving him time away from direct coaching responsibilities. As a technical observer, Southgate will analyze matches from a coaching perspective, producing detailed reports with video and statistical analysis.
Observers are equipped with multiple camera angles and advanced visualization tools, allowing them to assess matches comprehensively and identify trends in football tactics and strategy. This role also involves working closely with coaches and coach educators, contributing to a broader understanding of the modern game.
Southgate’s new role will also see him work alongside former Manchester United manager David Moyes, another prominent figure serving as a UEFA technical observer. This role allows Southgate to stay connected with the evolving tactical trends in football while giving him the space to consider his next career move carefully.
Despite the ongoing speculation about Southgate’s future, he remains focused on his current position and has emphasized the importance of taking a step back after leaving such a high-profile job. His tenure as England manager, which began in 2016, saw the team reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and consecutive European Championship finals, but ultimately fell short of winning a major title. Now, with time on his side, Southgate is keen to make thoughtful decisions about his future in football.
While Manchester United remains 25 years on from their historic Treble victory, and fans reflect on that remarkable achievement, the club continues to face uncertainty regarding its current managerial situation. Southgate, for now, appears to be content with observing and analyzing the game from the sidelines as he contemplates his next move.
Whether or not he eventually returns to club management, and whether that might be at Old Trafford, remains to be seen, but he is clear that he is not ready to rush into his next role just yet.