England boss Gareth Southgate hinted he would be open to a Premier League return before being linked to the Manchester United job

Before being linked with the Manchester United job, England manager Gareth Southgate stated that he might consider returning to the Premier League.

On Wednesday, ESPN reported that United were considering Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford manager Thomas Frank, and Southgate as potential successors to Erik ten Hag if the Dutchman leaves Old Trafford this summer.

While no decision has been taken over Ten Hag’s future, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is apparently looking into options to assess the credentials and availability of potential replacements.

Southgate will lead England to the European Championships this summer, with the Three Lions among the favourites to win the tournament.

The England manager has been with the national team for over seven years, and this summer’s tournament will be his fourth and possibly final as manager.

Southgate’s contract with the Football Association expires in December, prompting much speculation about his future.

The 53-year-old began his managerial career with Middlesborough in 2006 and has previously expressed a desire to return to Premier League management.

Southgate told Sky Sports in December that he was 35 years old when he managed the Premier League. We finished 12th and 13th, and I knew nothing compared to what I know now.

“Everyone would chat about Middlesbrough. ‘Oh, he got Middlesbrough relegated’.

“Well, in the third year, we were relegated. But I did three years of Premier League management.

“To be honest, there isn’t a job in the world of football that would terrify or daunt you after living in England.

“You’re not going to have any higher profile, you’re not going to have any greater pressure, you’re not going to have any more complex issues.”

The Euros will be Southgate’s fourth competition as England manager (Getty).
The Euros will be Southgate’s fourth competition as England manager (Getty).
Southgate continued, “Without a doubt, in my mind, the first season was the biggest achievement I’ve had, going from captain/player to managing a multimillion-pound business in the toughest league in the world, and finishing pretty much on line with where we were budget-wise.

“I am confident in this role. I am confident in whatever the future holds. Of sure, I won’t be here for 20-30 years. I don’t know what the future holds. I’m pretty calm about it.

“I remember talking to Jose (Mourinho) when he was at Manchester United, and he said, ‘You know, once you’ve done the job you’re doing now, you’ll be able to do anything.'” Really? I believed that was probably correct, but seven years later, I’m certain it is.”