What Gareth Southgate said about the Man Utd job has totally new meaning following Erik ten Hag sacking rumours

Gareth Southgate's comments about taking the job as Man Utd manager have resurfaced amid rumours that current boss Erik ten Hag could be sacked.

Ten Hag's role as manager of United is under question following his side's brutal 3-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

Should the Dutch manager be sacked by United's owners INEOS, questions will immediately be raised over who should come in to replace him, with former England manager Southgate and ex-player and current assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy the two favourites.

And now, comments from Southgate about taking the job have resurfaced and they have now taken on a completely new meaning after recent events.

Speaking ahead of the 2024 Euros, Southgate appeared to be frustrated when asked about his links to the United job, and reiterated that he would not consider it while still managing the Three Lions.

Speaking in March, he said: "I think I've answered this every time I've sat with you. My focus is the European Championship. I'm certainly not going to speak to anybody else ahead of that. I never have. I've been here eight years in the job. I wouldn't entertain speaking to anybody else when I'm in a job.

"Man Utd have a manager. It's always completely disrespectful when there's any speculation about a manager that's in place.

"I'm president of the LMA (League Managers Association) so I don't have any time for that sort of thing really."

However, shortly after England's second successive loss in a European Championship final, Southgate stood down as manager, leaving him potentially open to consider moving to United if they were to sack Ten Hag.

Gareth Southgate stood down from the role of England manager in July. (Image: Getty)

But it still remains to be see whether Southgate would consider taking on a new role in football management so soon after leaving the England job, as he has previously indicated that he may spend some time away from the sport to recharge.

Speaking to Sky Sports this month, he said: "I have lots of opportunities, I am very open to what's next. That might be in football, that might be outside of football.

"I think at the moment people know that I need to get some energy back. I'm not going to rush into anything, I want to make sure that I make good decisions."