Another candidate declines the Manchester United managerial role, will Carrick take charge?

While the managerial situation at Manchester United remains a contentious topic, a candidate has now publicly turned down this demanding job.

The former England national team captain stated he has no intention of taking the helm at Old Trafford, even admitting he currently lacks the "passion" to work in the Premier League.

After departing the England national team in July 2024, following their EURO final defeat, Southgate has not accepted any managerial offers. At 55, he has shifted focus to business ventures and is preparing to join a television program. In an interview on The Football Boardroom podcast, the strategist reiterated his stance.

"I don't have the passion just to return and manage any Premier League club. I did that at 35 and finished the season in 11th or 12th place. I've experienced one of the biggest jobs in world football. The big match nights, working with top players, without an interfering owner,"Southgate shared.

This statement almost completely extinguishes the possibility of him replacing Ruben Amorim, who was recently dismissed by Manchester United. Currently, Michael Carrick has been appointed as interim manager until the season's end. Notably, the Red Devils' board has appointed Steve Holland, Southgate's trusted right-hand man from the England setup, as Carrick's assistant. However, that is not enough to lure Southgate back to Old Trafford.

Beyond professional matters, Southgate also acknowledged he could be a "complicated" choice for major club owners. Despite leading England to a EURO final and a World Cup semi-final, he has faced criticism for not winning a trophy. "People say I don't win. To prove that, you have to go to a big club. I believe I could do better than some who have been there. But I understand the noise that would accompany my appointment,"he added.

Southgate's rejection of Manchester United indicates he is not yet ready to return to top-level football management. He even stated he does not wish to manage another national team. For him, the EURO final chapter is not an obsession, but merely a part of his past journey. For now, Southgate prefers to enjoy a new phase in life rather than diving into the Premier League's intense pressure cooker.

This development forces Manchester United to continue its search for a long-term solution for the managerial role, as the club navigates significant turbulence both on and off the pitch.