Gary O’Neil has strongly dismissed suggestions that he could leave his position as Wolves manager to become a coach at Manchester United. Reports this week linked O’Neil with joining Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s staff overhaul at Old Trafford, but he has poured cold water over the prospect of a Molineux exit.
Ratcliffe is overseeing a structural upheaval at United after securing a £1.3billion deal for a 27.7 per cent stake and total control of football operations.
The Red Devils have appointed Omar Berrada as chief executive and will hire Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth. A technical director and a performance director are set to make up the hierarchy.
ESPN claim INEOS want the changes to extend to the coaching team led by a head coach rather than a manager, Erik ten Hag’s current title.
O’Neil has enjoyed a successful first season at Wolves after signing a three-year contract to replace Julen Lopetegui late last summer, just days before they started the campaign at Old Trafford.
The 40-year-old has steadied the ship quickly, guiding Wolves into European contention and the FA Cup quarter-finals before a disappointing late defeat to United’s semi-final opponents, Coventry City.
The report stated that his work had impressed United’s new football bosses and that he had been made aware of interest in talks over an unknown coaching role.
However, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, O’Neil has ruled out the chances of him walking away from Wolves anytime soon.
“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.”
Ten Hag is battling to save his job, and he would likely be successful if United qualified for next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils could use a favour from O’Neil and Wolves at Villa Park. If Villa triumph, they will lead Ten Hag’s side by 12 points in fourth, albeit having played two more games.
United face Brentford later in the evening at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Dutchman can’t afford a repeat of the 4-0 thrashing in his first away game as the club’s manager.
