Gareth Southgate has 'turned down' Man United job - 'Jim Ratcliffe is a big admirer'
Gareth Southgate has no interest in becoming the next Manchester United manager despite having long-term admirers on the board.
The former England boss has long been tipped to take charge at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe believed to be a fan of his, despite never having hinted at the move.
He remains out of work since leaving his post with the FA in 2024, and has been linked with a number of potential vacancies with Premier League clubs among his admirers.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that while Southgate is a favourite of the Old Trafford board, he is not interested in the position.
This comes after the 56-year-old confessed he has not attended a football match since Crystal Palace's FA Cup win in 2025, and is not currently looking to get back into management.
With pressure building on Michael Carrick's position, Man United will now be forced to look elsewhere despite a long-term interest in Southgate if they are to find a replacement.
What is next for Gareth Southgate?
Brown told Football Insider in March that Southgate was still firmly on Man United's radar as they weighed up their options ahead of Carrick's permanent appointment.
However, it has become clear that the former England boss was never likely to accept a role at Old Trafford, and he has even been tipped for a behind-the-scenes post.
Instead, he is likely to continue to take a break from management, and Man United will be forced to consider other options instead.
"The name that always seems to come up in connection with the Man United job is Gareth Southgate," Brown told Football Insider.
"He's obviously been out of work since he left the England job, so that's why he keeps being linked with Man United and with a few other jobs as well over the last couple of years.
"Jim Ratcliffe is a big admirer of his, I think that's where the rumours come from, but he's not going to be the one to replace Carrick if they decide to pull the trigger there.
"He's come out now and said he has no interest in it, he hasn't been going to football matches. That was interesting but ultimately it's up to him and what he wants to do.
"So he's turned down any opportunities that have been offered to him and it doesn't look like he will be making a return any time soon."
Could Michael Carrick be sacked by Man United?
Speculation about who could become the next Man United manager has come alongside growing doubts over Carrick's position after a difficult start to the season.
Just one win from their opening seven Premier League games has sparked concerns amongst the supporters, who are demanding improvements be made quickly.
As a result, former Tottenham scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 15 October that Man United could be forced to sack Carrick if things do not improve quickly.
It has been suggested that Carrick could be given until Christmas to turn things around before the club decide to pull the trigger, but their slow start means it could come earlier.
The upcoming international break in November has now been tipped as a potential opportunity for Man United to pull the trigger if their performances have not improved.