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Former England manager Gareth Southgate has finally addressed the mounting speculation linking him to the Manchester United managerial role. In his first detailed comments since leaving the national team after Euro 2024, the 55-year-old has made it clear that he remains content outside the world of football and is in no rush to return to management.
Gareth Southgate opens up about life beyond football
After an illustrious eight-year tenure with the England national team, Southgate’s name has repeatedly surfaced in connection with several high-profile jobs — none more prominent than Manchester United. His long-standing professional relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford, a key figure within INEOS (part owners of United), further fueled rumors of a potential move to Old Trafford. However, Southgate has firmly played down any immediate plans to return to the dugout.
Speaking in a BBC Radio 5 Live interview, the former England boss laughed off the speculation when asked if the Manchester United role could tempt him back into management.
“Well, I think they’ve got a manager and he seems to be doing pretty well at the moment,” Gareth Southgate remarked with a smile.
Focus Shifts to leadership and mentorship
Since stepping away from international football following England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Southgate has devoted his time to projects outside the game. His latest book, Dear England: Lessons in Leadership, reflects on his managerial philosophy and broader lessons in leadership, character, and purpose.
In his interviews promoting the book, Gareth Southgate emphasized that his focus has shifted toward mentorship and youth development — areas that have always been close to his heart.
“I am not desperate to stay in football. I have had 37 years in football,” he said. “You can never say never, because I have just seen Martin O’Neill at his age go to Celtic, but it is not something that is high on my agenda at the moment. I am enjoying the work around leadership. I am enjoying my work with young people. I am very determined to try and make a difference there. And so, I am very relaxed about not being in football at the moment.”
A legacy defined by transformation and purpose
Gareth Southgate’s reign as England manager transformed the national team both on and off the pitch. Appointed in 2016, he guided the Three Lions to unprecedented consistency in major tournaments, including a World Cup semi-final, a Euro 2020 final, and a Euro 2024 final. Beyond results, his emphasis on mental resilience, inclusivity, and unity redefined English football’s culture.
Reflecting on his time with the national team, Gareth Southgate shared: “With the national team, we had a greater purpose. I went to the Football Association initially to improve youth football, to improve how English players were viewed around the world and to try to improve the scope for English coaches. I end up in the [England] manager’s job, which wasn’t the intention and so I stumble into that, we have a good few years, and people assume you want to stay in football. But I’m very passionate about this work around young men.”
No immediate return on the horizon
While Manchester United’s managerial position continues to generate headlines, Gareth Southgate’s latest comments make it clear that his priorities lie elsewhere — at least for now. His current focus remains on leadership, personal growth, and youth development, far removed from the intensity of Premier League football.
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