Revealed: Holland's arrival and what it means for Southgate being the next Man United manager

Gareth Southgate is the latest manager being linked with the permanent position at Man United despite Michael Carrick’s arrival as the interim boss.

Southgate has close links to INEOS and was heavily linked with the role following Erik Ten Hag’s exit, leading to suggestions he could be primed to step in.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the former England boss is not expected to be among the leading candidates for United.

Southgate was believed to be on United’s shortlist shortly after Ruben Amorim was sacked, but there are now more highly-regarded bosses on their radar.

The appointment of his long-time assistant Steve Holland to Carrick’s backroom staff added fuel to the fire, but those rumours have now been dismissed.

Gareth Southgate rumours dismissed at Man United

Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss and are drawing up a shortlist.

The likes of Oliver Glasner, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel have been heavily linked with the role as they continue to assess their options.

While United are keen to take their time over their next appointment, hence the decision to bring in an interim boss, clear candidates are already emerging.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen.

“Obviously, Steve Holland going in there will add fuel to the speculation of a move for Gareth Southgate, but I don’t think Southgate is anywhere near United’s thinking.

“Man United, in the summer, will be looking at all of their options to bring in an elite manager and get them back to where they feel they should be.

“I don’t think Southgate is on the list of candidates the United hierarchy are looking at.

“That’s despite Southgate having close links to INEOS previously and Steve Holland going in there with Michael Carrick’s management team.

“I don’t think there’s anything to it, people are putting two and two together and getting five, and I don’t expect Southgate to be in the running for the Man United job.”

Could Michael Carrick land permanent Man United job?

Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Man United could appoint their interim boss into the full-time role if they enjoy a successful end to the season.

If Carrick leads United to a top-four finish, impresses with his style of play, and gets the fans on his side, it could make their decision tricky.

He was most recently the head coach at Middlesbrough before his dismissal in June 2025, but has been frequently tipped for a role in the Premier League.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 16 January that Carrick could make Man United’s lives difficult if he is successful.

As things stand, United have no plans to appoint their interim boss on a permanent basis, but the boss could force them to change their stance.

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