Gareth Southgate decision adds to Erik ten Hag pressure at Manchester United
Gareth Southgate has stepped down from his position as England national team manager.
Manchester United have already made their managerial decision and they will hope they don't have to revisit it anytime soon.
Erik ten Hag has been backed with a contract extension for an additional year, though the fact it was not a new contract altogether, was perhaps an indication he is still very much on trial as things stand.
United hope Ten Hag will succeed as part of a revamped football structure, with an experienced hierarchy above him and a refreshed coaching department to support him. If things don't go according to plan it will be fascinating to see whether or not their interest in Gareth Southgate resurfaces again.
It is no secret Southgate was a top target for Ineos during their end-of-season review when they strongly considered changing first-team manager, but ultimately decided to stick with Ten Hag. Southgate was never going to leave the England national side ahead of a major tournament, nor was he going to unsettle the camp by agreeing to take a job after its conclusion either. It meant United never had a realistic chance of appointing him this summer, though his sudden availability certainly adds an interesting dynamic to the managerial role going forward and extra pressure on Ten Hag if struggles continue heading into the new campaign.
As part of the structural changes at Old Trafford, there is no room for error for the first-team manager and a lot more accountability when he is solely held responsible for performances on the pitch. While it was determined Ten Hag was the best available candidate for the role a month ago, there is now a viable competitor should his position come under scrutiny once again.
That isn't to say it will, of course. United have backed the Dutchman with one new signing already this summer and allowed him to have a huge say on changes to his refreshed backroom staff. They are all contracted to the club until June 2026 and there are no plans at all for those stays to be cut short.
ManchesterWorld reported last month Southgate was viewed as the number one choice for the United role if they were to make a change, but his involvement at the European Championship complicated any possible appointment. Southgate is a boyhood United fan and has been admired by many key figures at Ineos.
The 53-year-old is liked by sporting director Dan Ashworth, who he has a working relationship with from their time together at the Football Association. Sir Dave Brailsford invited him to his 60th birthday dinner earlier in the year, alongside the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson. It is understood Southgate would be interested in the role at some point in his career if it was ever offered to him, though he would require assurances on the level of power he would possess when it comes to making key decisions.
It is down to Ten Hag to ensure such a situation never arises and United would rather avoid it as well.