The Sun sharpen knives for Solskjaer with latest Man Utd boss link

Gareth Southgate TEAMtalk

England boss Gareth Southgate is a contender to take over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United in the summer, according to a report.

The Sun exclusive claims “Southgate may emerge as an option for United if they decide to get rid of struggling Solskjaer at the end of the season”.

The tabloid though report that “one stumbling block” could be that United originally tried to block his route into management 13 years ago.

Old Trafford chiefs apparently attempted to block his entry into management at Boro when Southgate was handed the reins on Teesside after Steve McClaren left for the England job in 2006.

Southgate was still taking his coaching Pro Licence badge and needed special dispensation from Premier League clubs to take the job.

Southgate’s appointment was approved by 19 votes to one, but the single vote against was from United and Sir Alex Ferguson.

 

 

The tabloid, who were called out by Solskjaer on Tuesday for their “lies”, have not mentioned the fact that Southgate will be knee deep in trying to guide England to the latter stages of Euro 2020.

The former Aston Villa defender signed a new contract with England in October 2018 to lead the Three Lions to the Qatar World Cup in 2022, and but for a disaster next summer it would be hard to see Southgate leaving the England set-up he has re-energised.

The Sun have were adamant the Norwegian told his players he feared been sacked if United lost to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

“No, it doesn’t make me more concerned,” said Solskjaer. “I’m just focusing on my job and that’s doing as well as I can, look forward to the next game, look long term and plan things with board.

“I’m good, absolutely no problem, sometimes you laugh when you read stories about what I’ve said, but at least I know the sources are not sources and are just made up, blatant lies.”

The tabloid go on to report that sacked Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is “waiting in the wings”.

The same report claims the Argentinian would prefer the United job over the Arsenal role as he looks to get back into management quickly.

Pochettino though, who is understood to have refused to resign at Tottenham, will have to pay Spurs the £12.5million pay off he takes another top-flight job in England this season.