Gareth Southgate would have rejected any Manchester United approach until next summer, says Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, as the ex-England manager needs time to recharge.
The Red Devils parted ways with Erik ten Hag in late October following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, with Ruud van Nistlerooy placed in interim charge of the Premier League club.
Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim is expected to take over the reins from mid-November as the permanent successor, with several other candidates now in new jobs.
Southgate has been frequently touted as one option after his time in charge of the Three Lions, but Hasselbaink, who served as his assistant, says he needs time from the game.
"There have been a lot of reports and rumours about Gareth’s next move after England," Hasselbaink told Lucky Block.
"But he doesn't talk to me about it when I see him or speak to him. He’s very reserved in that respect.
"When you come out of a demanding job like the England one, a job that he gave all of himself to for eight years, you need to take some time for yourself.
"That is what he is doing at the moment. If United came knocking in the next few weeks, I think Gareth would say call me in the summer because he is man that is true to his word.
"I also think that whatever job he takes next, he will want to give it his absolute best and he wants to give that club the best version of Gareth Southgate.
"For him to do that, he needs to have this period to recharge. You have to respect that."
Southgate led England to successive European Championship finals during his tenure, and leaves as arguably the second most-successful Three Lions boss in history.
Former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as his successor on a deal through the United 2026 FIFA World Cup.