Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has praised the impact of one Manchester United-linked manager who has transformed his team into “really difficult” opponents to face on the pitch.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is awaiting to learn the fate of his long-term future at Old Trafford ahead of the club’s pre-season tour.
The Dutchman signed off his second season at Old Trafford with major silverware after United sealed a stunning 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Despite his success with the FA Cup, Erik ten Hag faced mounting criticism – and pressure – over United’s lacklustre Premier League campaign.
The Red Devils limped to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League table, with United falling well short of a top-four finish in the 2023-24 season.
United will be without Champions League football next season, but the Red Devils secured their place in the Europa League after their FA Cup final win.
Ten Hag is under contract with United until 2025 and the former Ajax boss’ future at Old Trafford has been in doubt in recent months after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival.
Martinez thinks highly of Man Utd-linked manager
Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of Manchester United after his minority stake purchase in the Premier League club in 2023.
The 71-year-old British billionaire’s Ineos team is at the helm of football operations at United, with Erik ten Hag’s future at the club shrouded in mystery.
United have been linked with several managers if Ten Hag is axed, including the likes of Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, Roberto Martinez spoke highly of United-linked Gareth Southgate and the impact he has had on the England national team.
“We faced them twice in the 2018 World Cup and then in the Nations League and I really enjoyed it,” he told Rio Ferdinand.
“I think what Gareth Southgate has created is that club-level feeling. It’s a very modern group and enjoy playing for England and feel together.
“Tactically they can be very flexible, it’s a really difficult opponent.”
Southgate’s focus is on Euro 2024, not Man Utd
Gareth Southgate is set to take charge of England for his fourth major international tournament as Three Lions boss.
The England manager has failed in his efforts to lead the Three Lions to major silverware, despite his side progressing far in different tournaments.
Southgate’s future with England beyond Euro 2024 this summer remains uncertain, with the Three Lions boss out of contract in December.
The 53-year-old on Thursday confirmed his 26-man England squad for the Euro 2024 campaign, with Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo making the final selection.
Southgate previously revealed that his focus is on England and Euro 2024 rather than the speculation about his future with the national team.
“For me, it’s not an issue and never has been,” he told reporters last month.
“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.
“There will always be speculation about managers because if you lose a couple of games, you’re in trouble – you win a couple of games and it is a different agenda.
“But for me, it [Euro 2024] is a brilliant opportunity. We’re looking forward to the tournament.
“My focus is on how do we go a step further than we went in the last Euros.”