Steve Holland stance on Manchester United role amid long-standing Gareth Southgate link

Former England assistant manager Steve Holland is claimed to have set his sights on landing himself a top job as a manager - even if Gareth Southgate secures another position. The pair parted ways after an eight-year partnership following the Euro 2024 final - with both now contemplating their future prospects.

Southgate, who has garnered significant interest due to his international success, has often praised Holland for his contributions. However, the former Chelsea assistant manager is eager to forge his own path, eyeing a challenge in the Championship or perhaps taking the helm at a Premier League team facing difficulties.

Should Southgate make a comeback into management, he would seemingly in turn need to find a new right-hand man. Despite rumours Manchester United might be interested in Southgate, The Sun reckon Holland is determined to pursue his own managerial ambitions - and would snub a switch to Old Trafford even if the former England chief eventually steps into the dugout there.

Southgate and Holland's relationship dates back to their time at Chelsea, where Holland began to build his strong reputation. Southgate has spoken highly of Holland, saying: "We developed an understanding and relationship that I think has been a huge friendship as well as a working relationship.

"He's someone I trust entirely, whose opinions and views on football are aligned with mine, and whose values as a person are at a really high level and his attention to detail around doing the job are an example to any coach at any level."

"I think he would be the most successful coach in English football or English coach, I can't think of anyone else who has won the things he has won or had his experience at club and international level. He's a top operator," continued Southgate. "Without his experience, his approach, his thoughtfulness, and the quality of his work, we wouldn't have had the journey we have had in the last few years with the seniors and the U21s."

This was part of Southgate's hearty endorsement of Holland, with whom his bond was further evident when he jumped to his assistant's defence amid claims of a rift with Ben White.

On the reported training ground altercation which saw the Arsenal player leave the World Cup squad prematurely, Southgate added: "People can talk about me, and I have to accept that things get said that are false, about me. For whatever reason in this role you have to stomach that, but I'm not prepared for that to happen to a key member of my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben [White] is not available for selection."

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