England boss Gareth Southgate says he will not speak to any interested parties until after Euro 2024 and called speculation linking him to Manchester United “completely disrespectful” to Erik ten Hag.
This summer could well prove the 53-year-old’s fourth and final tournament in charge of the national team with his Football Association contract expiring in December.
Southgate says contract talks are on the back burner with his full focus on glory in Germany, but the background noise dialled up this week following reports of Manchester United’s potential interest.
“I think there are two things from my point of view,” Southgate said.
“One is that I’m the England manager. I’ve got one job, basically, to try and deliver a European Championship. Clearly before that, two important games this week.
“And the second thing is Manchester United have a manager and I think it’s always completely disrespectful when there’s any speculation about a manager that’s in place.
“I’m president of the LMA so I don’t have any time for that sort of thing, really.”
United’s ambitious new co-owners Ineos are understood to admire Southgate, who has a good relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford as well as potential incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.
But he would not be the only candidate if the job came up and the Red Devils are planning for next season with Ten Hag as things stand.
And irrespective of whether that role comes up in the coming months, Southgate says he will not speak to anyone until after the Euros.
“I think I’ve answered this every time I’ve sat with you,” Southgate said. “Yeah, my focus is a European Championship.
“If we did something, a contract, here before everybody would be saying, ‘why are you signing a contract before a Euros where you’ve got to prove yourself?’.
“I’m certainly not going to speak to anybody else ahead of that. I never have.
“I’ve been eight years in the job. I wouldn’t entertain speaking to anybody else when I’m in the job.”
