Jose Mourinho expressed confidence in Gareth Southgate’s future prospects, suggesting that he has the capability to excel in any managerial role.
This endorsement comes amidst speculation linking the England manager with a potential move to Manchester United.
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As Erik ten Hag currently holds the managerial reins at Old Trafford, his position appears uncertain with Manchester United trailing significantly behind the Premier League’s top contenders.
The team’s current 11-point deficit from fourth place and the looming possibility of missing out on Champions League qualification could spell trouble for the former Ajax head.
Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new part-owner, has yet to make a definitive decision regarding a managerial change, various high-profile coaches have been linked to the position in recent weeks.
The latest name to surface in connection with the role is Gareth Southgate, according to a recent report from ESPN.
While Southgate is currently focused on preparing the England squad for the upcoming European Championships, his contract with The Football Association is set to expire in December.
He disclosed that Mourinho, formerly at the helm of Manchester United, had conveyed to him his belief in Southgate’s adaptability for any managerial challenge following his stint with the national team.
Southgate told Sky Sports: “I was 35 years old when I managed in the Premier League and we finished 12th and 13th. 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: ‘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. I’m confident in this role and whatever might be in the future.
“Of course, I’m not going to be here for 20/30 years and I don’t know what the future will be. I’m very calm about that, but I’m not worried about what that might be.”
Despite Ratcliffe refraining from publicly endorsing Ten Hag since assuming control of sporting operations at Old Trafford, the Manchester United chief recently asserted that he remains unconcerned about his job security.
He told reporters recently amid speculation: “I’m under contract for three seasons, so I don’t care. I am in this process, I’m only focusing on the process, so I don’t care what’s going on around me.
“I have many talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, also with Sir Dave Brailsford and others in that group, so I know where we are talking about and I have a strong belief and I feel that they believe in me.”
