Manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe likes has made intentions clear amid links to Man Utd job

Gareth Southgate has made it clear that he does not plan to rush back into the world of football management. The ex-England manager, who has previously been linked with the Manchester United job, finds himself back among the rumoured contenders for the current vacancy at Old Trafford.

The 55-year-old led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals during his almost eight-year tenure. Since stepping down following England's loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Southgate has remained on the sidelines. United are on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim. The club intend to appoint an interim coach before announcing a permanent successor in the summer. While Darren Fletcher currently holds the reins temporarily, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly an admirer of Southgate's work with England.

The Daily Star suggested that the former Three Lions boss was the favourite to replace then-United manager Erik ten Hag in March 2024. It was reported that Southgate was Ratcliffe's first choice, with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth also a supporter of the England manager.

When Amorim found himself under scrutiny earlier this season, Southgate's name resurfaced. This led the former England boss to clarify his position on accepting a new role in November.

In an appearance on BBC Breakfast, Southgate said: "I had an amazing time, obviously the great thing with England is that there's this higher purpose. I joined the FA to try and help English football become better, and to help youth development in particular.

"I somehow stumbled and ended up in the first-team manager's job and we had a pretty good period. I'm not desperate to stay in football. I've had 37 years in football which is amazing."

When asked if he would reconsider should a big opportunity arise, he responded: "Well you can never say never because I've just seen Martin O'Neill at his age go to Celtic.

"But it's not something that's high on my agenda at the moment, I'm enjoying the work around leadership, I'm enjoying my work with young people, very determined to try and make a difference there. And so no, I'm very relaxed about not being in football at the moment."

Back in October, reports suggested that Southgate would demand time and patience from the United board if he were to become manager. The senior figures at Old Trafford have been under increasing pressure since Amorim's departure as United boss.

Despite his impressive track record as an international manager, Southgate has limited coaching experience in the Premier League. He previously managed Middlesbrough for three years, eventually overseeing their relegation from the top flight before leaving his position a few months into the Championship season.

Southgate's subsequent role saw him take over England U21s in 2013, a position he held until his promotion to senior team manager in September 2016. This means that Southgate hasn't managed a club side since October 2009.

United legends Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick have both been in discussions about stepping in as temporary manager for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Fletcher was United's caretaker boss on Wednesday, guiding the team to a 2-2 stalemate with Burnley.

The 41-year-old, who is also being considered for the interim role, will get the opportunity to manage the club at Old Trafford this Sunday. United are poised to kick off their FA Cup journey against Brighton, with the cup competition being the club's last realistic chance to clinch a trophy this season.