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8 months ago
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Gareth Southgate was reportedly among the guests at Sir Dave Brailsford's birthday dinner with speculation linking him to the Manchester United hot seat persisting.
According to The Telegraph, Southgate joined a host of influential figures in football for the dinner at a venue in London as Brailsford celebrated his 60th birthday.
Fresh from steering England through their first two friendlies of 2024 ahead of this summer's Euros, Southgate rubbed shoulders 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' director of sport, gathered long-term associates for the private event.
Gareth Southgate was reportedly among the guests at Sir Dave Brailsford's birthday dinner
Brailsford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's right-hand man at Manchester United, invited close associates
INEOS, led by Ratcliffe, are expected to make sweeping changes at Old Trafford this summer
The same report claims that while the gathering was not a formal club engagement, discussions centred around football were informally held among guests.
Ratcliffe's right-hand man, Brailsford, turned 60 on February 29. United are said to be relaxed about the dinner with the get-together never meant to be kept under wraps.
Brailsford has often been spotted in the directors' box at United matches since Ratcliffe and INEOS' investment, worth over £1billion, was officially confirmed.
Newcastle's Dan Ashworth was also present at the dinner. United are continuing to haggle over a compensation package that would release him from gardening leave.
Southgate gave a definitive answer to the continued links to United earlier this month, insisting they were disrespectful to Erik ten Hag, who could remain in charge next season.
Brailsford has often been pictured alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the directors' box at games
Dan Ashworth, United's No 1 choice for their sporting director, was also at the private event
Southgate has been rumoured to replace Erik ten Hag (above) but has shot down speculation
'There are two things from my point of view,' he told reporters.
'Firstly, I am the England manager and I have got one job, basically, to try and deliver a European Championship.
'Clearly, before that, two important games this week. And the second thing is, Manchester United have a manager.
'I think it is always completely disrespectful when there is any speculation about a manager who is in place. I am president of the LMA, so I don't have any time for that.'
Southgate has also vowed not to speak to any club while he is still England boss. However, with his FA deal expiring in December, his future is uncertain.
United, meanwhile, return to action against Brentford tomorrow evening.
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