United chiefs might be praying on England's downfall at the Euros (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United could reap the rewards of England crashing out of Euro 2024 in the group stages. The Three Lions will travel to Germany hoping to win the Euros for the very first time but an early exit could boost United's search for a new manager.
Erik ten Hag remains in his post for now but United are still mulling over whether he is the right man to lead them into next season. It is thought that a decision on his future will be made once United have completed their end-of-season review, which is taking longer than expected.
United are widely believed to have drawn up a list of managerial candidates in the event of Ten Hag being relieved of his duties. England boss Gareth Southgate is at the top of that list, according to The Independent, with United confident that he would be interested in joining them.
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Southgate, however, remains fully committed to leading England at the Euros and is not prepared to entertain any advances until after the tournament. It means that a swift exit for the Three Lions would allow United to get him in as early as possible.
It would also help United avoid further delays to their pre-season preparations, which are already on hold with Ten Hag's future still in limbo. A group stage exit at the Euros would see England done and dusted by June 25, but they could be in Germany until the middle of July if they reach the final.
For now, it seems United will simply need to wait and see how England get on with little chance of tempting Southgate to join them until the Euros have finished. The 53-year-old issued a firm response when quizzed on the speculation earlier this year, refusing to comment out of respect for Ten Hag.
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"There are two things from my point of view," said Southgate. "One is that I'm the England manager. I've got one job, to try to deliver a European Championship. Clearly, before that, two important games this week. The second thing is United have a manager.
"It's always completely disrespectful when there's any speculation about a manager that's in place. I'm president of the LMA [League Managers Association] so I don't have any time for that sort of thing really."
United would still need to negotiate with the FA to appoint Southgate this summer if England make an early exit from the Euros. He remains tied down until the end of the calendar year, meaning the Red Devils would have to agree a compensation package to buy out the remainder of his contract.
