United off radar as Southgate insists no coaching return until next year 

ENJOYING TIME OFF: Former England manager Gareth Southgate. Pic: PA Wire

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has ruled himself out of a return to coaching for the next year.

The 54-year-old, who resigned after losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, has been heavily linked as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman continues to struggle at Manchester United.

Southgate also has a close relationship with United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth - who as Football Association technical director in 2016 was part of the selection panel who appointed him to the England job.

However, Southgate has ruled out a swift return to management.

"I won't coach in the next year for sure, I'm certain of that," he told the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, as reported by the BBC.

"I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.

"I'm enjoying my life, so there's no rush. I'm fortunate that there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves."

PA