Southgate to Man Utd: Why there are concerns around the England boss

Gareth Southgate has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United this summer - but would he be a good fit at Old Trafford? Sky Sports News senior reporters Melissa Reddy and Rob Dorsett analyse Southgate's spell with England and whether he could succeed in club football.

Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:

When the initial whispers of Gareth Southgate being on a shortlist to become Manchester United manager circled at the start of March, several at the club shot down the links as "easy to make" due to Dan Ashworth's impending appointment as sporting director.

The pair worked together through the FA, maintain a strong existing relationship, and shared aligned thoughts on the mechanics behind a successful football operation.

The murmurs have now morphed into ear-splitting noise, with Sir Dave Brailsford, who has also collaborated with Southgate through the INEOS Leaders in Sport programme, reportedly endorsing the England manager.

United have not commented on any of the rumours given Erik ten Hag is still in post, no definitive decision has been taken over his future, and there is still the FA Cup plus securing Champions League football to play for. The club are planning for next season with Ten Hag, including with potential recruitments and for summer tour plans.

There is great annoyance that the high point of their season - the late, galvanising 4-3 victory over Liverpool at an enraptured Old Trafford - has been so quickly followed by such speculation.

Some feel Ten Hag is being undercut and there is certain division in some quarters over the suitability of Southgate for the position.

The greatest concern is how someone who hasn't been involved in the club game for 15 years - he was fired from