Gareth Southgate's latest comments keep him relevant at a time when Man Utd need a new boss

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The timing of Gareth Southgate's comments couldn't be more ironic. Within 48 hours of Steve Holland being parachuted into Manchester United, Southgate has gone public with his views on the current power struggle between managers and club bosses.

"The erosion of a manager's authority has been a gradual process over many years," he said. "It has accelerated with the widespread introduction of Football, Technical, or Sporting Directors, who now oversee long-term football strategy, report directly to CEOs or owners (or both), and sit structurally above the Head Coach.

"Personally, I have no issue with this evolution. Strategy, culture, planning, and continuity are critical to success in any organisation - and a football club is no different."

Is it a nod to United co-owner and friend Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he's still around and available for work?

Because if Southgate has no problem with people above him sticking their noses into his business, United might just be the perfect place for him. Not least considering what the roles of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada were in the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

There is nothing to suggest Holland appointment as assistant to interim boss Michael Carrick will lead to Southgate taking charge at Old Trafford in the summer.

There is nothing to suggest Holland has been sent in to assess the state of the club, before reporting back to Southgate.

There is nothing to suggest United are considering Southgate as an option. And there is nothing to suggest Southgate wants a return to club management, following his draining but successful time in charge of England.

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But there is no hiding from the fact the United job remains one the most iconic ones in club football. While Ratcliffe considered appointing Southgate when it became clear Erik Ten Hag was toast. The timing wasn't right, with Southgate preparing for Euro 2024, and then stepping away from management altogether following the tournament.

Theories continue to swirl around United like a plague of locust. Is Holland putting the building blocks in place for Southgate? Or is the former England No.2 using United to help himself get a more attractive job in six months time?

While you can argue that if United wanted Southgate now, why didn't they appoint him? He's available, and free of charge in terms of compensation.

The truth probably lies somewhere in between. And one thing we do know, is that Southgate is keeping himself relevant.

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