- Speculation about a link between Gareth Southgate and Manchester United continues
- Southgate attended Sir Dave Brailsford’s birthday dinner at a venue in London
- Why defeat to Arsenal will be the curtain raiser for Man City’s title defense – Listen to the It all starts podcast
Gareth Southgate was reportedly among the guests at Sir Dave Brailsford’s birthday dinner as speculation continued that he could be linked with the Manchester United hotseat.
According to The TelegraphSouthgate joined a host of influential figures from the football world for dinner at a London venue as Brailsford celebrated its 60th birthday.
Fresh from guiding England through the first two friendlies of 2024 ahead of this summer’s European Championship, Southgate has been in contact with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank and Roy Hodgson were also on the guest list.
Brailsford, who holds a key position alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe at United in his role as INEOS sporting director, gathered regular staff for the private event.
Gareth Southgate was reportedly one of the guests at Sir Dave Brailsford’s birthday dinner
Brailsford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right-hand man at Manchester United, invited close associates
INEOS, under Ratcliffe’s leadership, is expected to make major changes at Old Trafford this summer
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The same report claims that although the meeting was not a formal club engagement, informal discussions took place among the guests about football.
Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, Brailsford, turned 60 on February 29. United would be relaxed about the dinner, never intending for it to be hidden together.
Brailsford has often been spotted in the control box at United matches since Ratcliffe and INEOS’ investment worth more than £1 billion was officially confirmed.
Dan Ashworth from Newcastle also attended the dinner. United continues to negotiate a compensation package that would exempt him from garden leave.
Southgate gave a definitive answer earlier this month about the continued links with United, insisting they were disrespectful to Erik ten Hag, who could remain in charge next season.
Brailsford is often pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson in the director’s box during matches
Dan Ashworth, United’s No. 1 choice for sporting director, was also at the private event
Southgate is rumored to replace Erik ten Hag (above) but has dismissed speculation
“From my point of view there are two things,” he told reporters.
‘Firstly, I’m the manager of England and I really only have one job: to try to deliver a European Championship.
‘It is clear that two important matches will take place this week. And the second thing is that Manchester United has a manager.
‘I always find it completely disrespectful when there is speculation about a possible manager. I am chairman of the LMA, so I don’t have time for that.’
Southgate has also vowed not to speak to any club while he is still in charge of England. However, with his FA deal expiring in December, his future is uncertain.
United, meanwhile, are back in action against Brentford tomorrow evening.
