Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil responds to speculation linking him with a role in a new coaching setup at Manchester United.
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil has insisted that there is “no truth” in any rumours linking him with Manchester United.
O’Neil only arrived at Molineux in August, coincidentally facing United in his first game at Old Trafford with his Wolves side producing a hugely-entertaining performance during a 1-0 defeat.
Since then, the West Midlands outfit have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the season, Wolves posting numerous notable wins to sit in ninth position in the Premier League standings.
In sharp contrast to his appointment being criticised by some sections of the Wolves fanbase, O’Neil is now wholeheartedly backed and the hope among supporters is that the 40-year-old will remain at the helm in the long term.
However, now holding an enhanced reputation, O’Neil has recently been linked with a surprise move to Man United, where Erik ten Hag‘s position is deemed to be insecure.
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Reports have suggested that new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interested in bringing O’Neil on board to help form a new coaching setup at the Theatre of Dreams.
That would not necessarily see O’Neil take on the lead role in the dugout, either becoming assistant to a new head coach or being used further down the pecking order.
Nevertheless, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, O’Neil was quick to dismiss any talk of a switch to Man United at the end of the season.
He said: “There’s no truth to it and I don’t know where it came from. Growing up, Liverpool and Man United always felt special, so it is an hour to be linked, even though there is no truth in it.
“Of course, when your name is linked with one of the biggest clubs in world football, it is an honour, but as I have said, I love it here. I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach, and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves.”
O’Neil further added that he was only notified of the report by a member of the club’s media team, saying that there had been no contact from United.
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Where do Man United and O’Neil go from here?
While United are in an FA Cup semi-final and still competing for a top-five spot in the Premier League table, it is likely that no decisions will be made over the future of Ten Hag.
The possibility remains that the Dutchman will continue in his role regardless of how much success United have over the next seven weeks, although other names – most recently Brentford’s Thomas Frank – have been linked with United.
Meanwhile, O’Neil appears increasingly likely to extend his contract at Wolves, despite still having over two years remaining on his contract.
O’Neil is just 72 matches into his managerial career and invested in the project that he has undertaken in the West Midlands. He has also publicly stated that he is not available.
His current focus is on trying to earn a surprise place in Europe for next season, their next game being the West Midlands derby against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.