England boss Gareth Southgate has effectively ruled himself out of becoming Manchester United manager in the summer.
Ever since a mixed stint with Middlesbrough at the start of his career in the dugout, Southgate has enhanced his reputation with the results achieved with England.
In charge of the Three Lions, Southgate has guided the nation to a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and Euro 2020 final, with the World Cup quarter-final in 2022 being deemed to be a failure.
Nevertheless, England were able to convincingly qualify for Euro 2024 in a group containing Italy and are regarded as one of the favourites to win the tournament in Germany.
However, recent developments at Man United have led to the 53-year-old allegedly being shortlisted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at the end of the season.
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As it stands, it is unclear whether new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will retain the services of the Dutchman, who may require Champions League qualification or an FA Cup trophy to remain at the helm.
Ratcliffe is also keen to bring in Dan Ashworth, who holds a strong relationship with Southgate, as a sporting director with Ashworth being placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United.
At a press conference ahead of Saturday's friendly with Brazil, Southgate was naturally questioned on his links with United, but the Englishman told reporters that he would not be entertaining any other jobs until after Euro 2024 at the earliest.
He said: "I think I've answered this every time I've sat with you. My focus is the European Championship. If we did something, a contract here [with England] before, everybody would be saying 'Why are you signing a contract before a Euros where you've got to prove yourself'.
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"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."
Southgate added that the speculation is "disrespectful" to Ten Hag, saying: "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."
A contract is in place for Southgate to remain as England manager until the end of the year, although decisions may be undertaken sooner depending on how England fare in Germany in the summer.
Darren Plant
