Man Utd hold talks with Wolves boss Gary O’Neil over coaching role

Manchester United have reportedly spoken to Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil about a potential coaching role at the club, according to ESPN.

The Englishman has impressed across spells with Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

O’Neil stabilised a struggling Bournemouth side last season, guiding them away from relegation. However, he was sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola.

He joined Wolves before the start of the current season but has the club in the top half of the Premier League despite barely any pre-season preparations.

His impressive work at Wolves has put him on United’s radar as the club searches for a replacement for manager Erik ten Hag. 

New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not given Ten Hag his backing after a disappointing season, and the former Ajax boss is widely expected to leave this summer.

Ratcliffe wants O’Neil to join potential Ten Hag replacements such as Thomas Frank, Gareth Southgate or Roberto De Zerbi in the dugout.

United will have to pay a compensation fee for O’Neil if they can convince him to take the job as he signed a three-year deal with Wolves.

He started his career in Liverpool’s youth set-up with then-sporting director Michael Edwards hiring him. The pair previously worked together at Portsmouth in the early 2000s.

It is unclear if the former West Ham United midfielder will choose an assistant role at Old Trafford, but he may jump at the chance if it means he will get the permanent job in the future.