England hint at Gareth Southgate exit plan after Manchester United interest
13.06.2024 - 09:21
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said there have been 'no approaches' for England manager Gareth Southgate but admitted there is a succession plan in place for his exit.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Southgate over the last few months and INEOS are understood to be admirers of his work with England.
Erik ten Hag's future was surrounded by uncertainty after a dismal Premier League campaign and the Southgate links intensified during a challenging period for United.
However, the communication that Ten Hag would remain in charge arrived earlier in the week and United figures hope that has ended the debate about his future.
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But there is a feeling if United make a poor start to the 2024/25 campaign, Ten Hag will be under enormous pressure and Southgate could be available after Euro 2024 in Germany.
The interest from INEOS in Southgate is concrete and the FA's chief exec revealed there's a succession plan prepared for when the England boss decides to walk away.
“Any organisation really has a succession plan in place for their top employees,” Bullingham said. We are no different to that. This succession plan normally includes everything from what you do for short-term cover, through to a process you follow to candidates. We have that for top employees.
“I want to respect Gareth and the team that they are very focused on the tournament and we want to be supporting them with that focus. Clearly, you plan lots of different scenarios for all your top employees all the time.
“Gareth has been really, really clear that he wants to talk about it after the