Why Gareth Southgate was right in distancing himself from Manchester United

Jose Mourinho was sacked as the manager of Manchester United in December last year following a disappointing start to the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as the caretaker manager until the end of the season, with the club intending to follow a thorough recruitment process to appoint the next manager of the club.

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane were considered as potential candidates to become the next Manchester United boss. There was a list of other contenders too, but a surprising inclusion in the list was current England boss, Gareth Southgate.

However, the current Three-Lions and former Middlesbrough boss has distanced himself from rumours linking him to take over at Manchester United. Southgate declined any links and said he was privileged to be in the position of England manager.

Considering the current scenario of England and Manchester United football, Southgate was right in airing his intentions about the Red Devils job.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Caretaker

The Three-Lions had been performing badly in various competitions until Southgate helped them reach the semi-finals of the all-important FIFA World Cup last year. England was finally successful in utilising all the talented resources available in the Premier League, and performing at the biggest stage. A major reason for this was Gareth Southgate.

Since the World Cup, England has qualified to the next round of the UEFA Nations League despite having Spain and Croatia in the same group. Southgate has definitely improved the England team, and it could affect the team's future had he decided to become the boss of a Premier League club.

Southgate now enjoys a good relationship with most English footballers spread across the Premier League, and that could have been a major factor for Manchester United to consider him as a managerial candidate.

Southgate now enjoys a good relationship with most English footballers

With Southgate declining the rumours, the system of football in England will not be disturbed for a while.

On the other hand, Manchester United have been exceptional under Solskjaer, and most of the United players are already pushing for the Norwegian to take over as the permanent boss.

The team is in its best phase since the last few years, and it would be wise if the United hierarchy holds on a move to replace Solskjaer. Southgate would definitely change the system, which could harm the club.

Hence, considering both parties, Southgate's decision to continue as the England manager was a good one.