Gareth Southgate makes clear next job statement amid Erik ten Hag Manchester United pressure

Former England boss Gareth Southgate has opened up on his future amid links with the Manchester United job if Erik Ten Hag leaves.

The 57-year-old left his role as England manager after Euro 2024 in Germany this summer. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in the final, three years after losing the previous Euros final to Italy on penalties.

Southgate has been widely praised for unifying the England national team but has also been criticised for lacking the Midas touch to guide them to a first major trophy since 1966. The former Middlesbrough boss knows sporting director Dan Ashworth well from their time at the FA together, leading to inevitable links with a potential future job at Old Trafford.

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But Southgate has insisted that he won't rush into his next job. "I won’t coach in the next year, for sure," he said via the BBC's Simon Stone at the European Club Association general assembly.

"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."

It has recently been reported that Southgate will be attending matches as a UEFA technical observer, alongside ex-United manager David Moyes.

Technical observers are responsible for analysing matches from a coaching viewpoint and producing comprehensive reports with video and statistical analysis. They have access to multiple camera angles, cutting-edge visualisation tools, and a wealth of data to aid their observations.

The role also involves identifying trends in football play, providing coaches and coach educators with a more holistic understanding of the game.

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