Will Manchester United hire Gareth Southgate if Erik ten Hag is sacked? Journalist provides update

Gareth Southgate is reportedly not Manchester United's first choice if, at any point, they decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach kept his job this summer after months of speculation suggesting he was set to be sacked.

The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan reports that former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is first in line to replace Ten Hag if he were to depart. The German tactician held talks with the Red Devils' owners about replacing him this summer but will instead take a break from management.

Gareth Southgate was also linked with the Manchester United job, including before Euro 2024. He publicly quashed rumors of a move to Old Trafford by insisting it was disrespectful to talk about the job while Ten Hag was still in charge.

Ten Hag has the backing of Manchester United's new owners INEOS, and he signed a new one-year contract extension after their end-of-season review concluded. They are focused on backing the former Ajax coach and have already set about their transfer business.

Gareth Southgate has stepped down from his role as England manager after they suffered a 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. He is now available, and club management could be on the cards, although Old Trafford doesn't appear to be his destination.

The Aston Villa legend took over as Three Lions boss in September 2016. He oversaw 64 wins in 102 games, taking his nation to two European Championship finals but failing to win a major trophy.

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"The vision of the manager" - Manchester United's Ten Hag gave a shady verdict of Gareth Southgate's England

Gareth Southgate endured a ton of criticism while in charge of England.

England finished runners-up at Euro 2024 final but failed to do so in style. Many rivaling nations felt the Three Lions didn't deserve their place in the final due to haphazard performances throughout the tournament.

That was the case when Southgate's men beat Serbia 1-0 in their opener. Jude Bellingham headed home the winner in the first half, and the team took a pragmatic approach soon after.

Ten Hag analyzed England's performance against the Serbians and took aim at Southgate's tendency to go defensive when ahead. The Manchester United boss told Dutch TV channel NOS:

"It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate]. England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game."

Southgate was constantly criticized during Euro 2024 for his team selections and questionable performances. That said, his men were unbeaten until the final, producing memorable moments such as Bellingham's overhead kick (2-1 vs Slovakia) and Ollie Watkins' winner (2-1 vs Netherlands).