‘Looking at that man there it’s everything a leader should be: respectful, humble, tells the truth, genuine. He’s fantastic.’
That was Gary Neville on Gareth Southgate moments after England had beaten Denmark to reach the Euro 2020 final.
More? Marcus Rashford previously highlighted the ‘togetherness’ fostered by Southgate and his staff with England; Harry Maguire gave a lot of credit to Southgate for his man-management when he was being fiercely criticised over selection; Luke Shaw praised the Three Lions boss for creating an atmosphere which allows England’s players to perform with smiles on their faces.
And so if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos do want Southgate as their next manager, their ‘No 1 target’, according to reports this week, should they replace Erik ten Hag, he won’t be short of glowing references in and around Manchester United.
The obvious criticism of Southgate is that he hasn’t been involved in club management since 2009 when he oversaw Middlesbrough’s relegation.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) reportedly has England manager Gareth Southgate (left) as his ‘No 1’ managerial target heading into his first full season as minority owner at Manchester United
Three Lions manager Southgate pictured with Dan Ashworth, then the FA director of elite development, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and now a target for Manchester United
Reports say Ratcliffe doesn’t believe Erik ten Hag is right for Man United going forward
Yes, he’s watched plenty of Premier League football and works with some of the league’s best players. But would the cut and thrust catch him out after eight years with England?
‘I was 35 years old when I managed in the Premier League and we finished 12th and 13th,’ Southgate told Sky Sports in December. ‘I knew nothing like what I know now.
‘There isn’t a job in world football that would intimidate or daunt you, having lived this one.
‘I remember talking to Jose [Mourinho] when he was at Man United and he said to me: ‘You know, when you’ve done the role you’re in now, you’ll be able to do anything’.
‘Really? I thought that was probably right, but seven years into it, it’s definitely right.’
Man-management is a big strength of Southgate’s, and many United stars already know him
Whether it is Ten Hag or another manager that takes United into next season, it will be absolutely imperative that the boss slots seamlessly into the structure Ineos are putting together.
Omar Berrada will come in as CEO, while Dan Ashworth remains on gardening leave from Newcastle as Man United’s pursuit to make him sporting director remains ongoing.
Sir Dave Brailsford and Ratcliffe will both be heavily involved in daily meetings, while recruitment specialists are being sought. Jason Wilcox, formerly of Man City, is of interest.
Southgate doesn’t have an ego like some other top level managers and that should see him comfortably slot into his role if he were to get the Old Trafford job.
Factor in too that he has allies in Ashworth, who previously described Southgate as the ‘outstanding candidate’ to become England boss, and Brailsford and his case to be the next man in at Old Trafford is increasingly strong.
Ashworth, Brailsford and Southgate are all members of a knowledge platform called Leaders 8.
The group, which also includes former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and ex-England rugby union head coach Eddie Jones, has its own WhatsApp channel so these elite coaching minds can share ideas and pick each other’s brains on ways to maximise success.
Factor in too that Brailsford and Southgate get on well, having attended the 2019 Super Bowl together, along with some other familiar faces such as Roberto Martinez and David Moyes.
Two of the biggest selling points for Southgate – and he would need them should he get the job given discontent from supporters – is that he has strong relationships with a number of players in the dressing room and has shown he can turn an ailing situation around.
Taking the first of those two arguments, Southgate is amenable with the media and has the respect of his players.
‘Gareth’s support of me has been brilliant ever since I made my debut for England,’ Maguire said in 2021.
He has been out of club management since being sacked by Middlesbrough back in 2009
Former Man United captain Harry Maguire (right) can vouch for Southgate’s management style
‘He picked me to make my debut and then I think ever since I’ve been available I’ve pretty much played in every game possible.
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‘That gives me great confidence and belief and trust going into the game to enable me to perform to my best.
‘I wouldn’t say any specific moments [stand out], there’s numerous of them. Lots of conversations, lots of texts, lots of phone calls. And then speaking to him when I’ve come into camp he’s always there to help.’
Ten Hag has made a lot of bold – but correct – calls when it came to unsavoury situations like the one involving Cristiano Ronaldo, or his public fall-out with Jadon Sancho.
Ten Hag is perfectly polite with media at press conferences but, if there was criticism, it is perhaps that he is not as engaging and, crucially, isn’t a manager appointed by the new regime.
Then take point two, working under pressure.
While Southgate, to this point, hasn’t won a major trophy as England boss, he has drastically improved results and has a good track record at tournaments.
England had not won a knockout match at a major tournament since 2006 prior to reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 under Southgate.
Sir Dave Brailsford (middle, front) and Southgate (far right) are in a WhatsApp group together
He backed that up by reaching the final of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, losing out to runners-up France.
As far back as 2016, when he was interim England manager, Southgate has been confident in his ability to handle the pressure and not go running when the heat is turned up.
‘Under the scrutiny of the public and games under constant pressure you never know how things will turn out. I have proven that I can handle big events,’ he said then.
‘I am satisfied and I think we have fulfilled the task that was set for us.’
It remains to be seen which way Ineos turn this summer. Ten Hag could still deliver an FA Cup and Champions League football for next season, but there is a sense that the powers that be are not likely to be emotionally swayed by short-term successes.
If it is to be Southgate, he certainly won’t be lacking for cheerleaders in the boardroom, even if he would in the stands.
