England manager Gareth Southgate has responded to being linked with the Manchester United job in emphatic fashion during a press conference on Friday.
Earlier this week, it was reported that United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made the Three Lions boss his number one choice to take over at Old Trafford this summer.
Southgate's contract with the national team expires in December and the FA are keen to tie him down to a new deal.
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But Ratcliffe, who is said to be impressed by Southgate's work with England, is growing 'increasingly confident' of being able to lure him to United, according to the Daily Star.
It could cost the Premier League around £800,000 in compensation to get Southgate, who is one of the favourites to take over if Erik ten Hag is relieved of his duties.
But with speculation being rife over his future, Southgate has decided to publicly address rumours of a possible switch to Manchester United.
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“There are two things from my point of view," he said ahead of Saturday's friendly against Brazil.
"One is I'm the England manager. I've got one job basically, to try to deliver a European Championship and the second thing is Manchester United have a manager.
"I think it is always completely disrespectful when there is a manager in place. I don't have any time for that sort of thing."
Southgate will not talk to any interested party before the European Championship this summer, meaning United or any other team will have to wait if they are interested.
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Earlier this week, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire urged the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender to remain as England boss amid ongoing links.
When asked if the England squad want Southgate to stay on beyond the summer, he replied: "Yeah, definitely, obviously.
"We want to be successful in the Euros – we are not looking at the World Cup at the moment – but obviously if we are successful at the Euros, which is our main focus, of course, we want to be successful."
He added: "If Gareth’s the man to make us be successful then we want him to stay as long as possible. I’ve had a great relationship with him. I’ve been a big part of the success and the progression that we’ve shown as a country.
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"And I’m sure he will say the same thing now, it’s all about winning a trophy. I don’t know what’s going to happen after the Euros, I don’t know if he knows what’s going to happen.
"But I feel like what he’s done from when he first took over this job to where we are at now, we’ve taken huge strides and he’s a massive part of that.
"He’s definitely got the recognition and respect of the players, and people who are close to him. And people whose opinions matter to him."
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports - Getty ImagesTopics: Gareth Southgate, Manchester United, England, Premier League
