Manchester United is keen to discuss a potential role within a new coaching setup at Old Trafford with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ head coach, Gary O’Neil, according to sources close to ESPN. Following the INEOS group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, taking control of football operations at United by acquiring a 27 percent stake in the club in February, efforts are underway under the guidance of INEOS director of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, to establish a new coaching framework centered around a head coach.
Although there has been no definitive decision regarding Erik ten Hag’s future as manager, ESPN sources have revealed that United has considered England manager Gareth Southgate, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, and Brentford’s Thomas Frank as possible replacements.
O’Neil, who took the helm at Molineux last August after Julen Lopetegui’s exit, has propelled Wolves into the race for European qualification this season, following a successful stint at Bournemouth that saw the team remain in the Premier League during his first top-flight assignment last season.
ESPN sources have indicated that the 40-year-old is aware of United’s interest, with high-ranking officials from the club expressing their wish to explore his intentions.
The nature of the role United might offer O’Neil remains unclear, though it has been confirmed that, in addition to evaluating managerial candidates, United is also considering strengthening its entire coaching staff.
Upon assuming control of Wolves last summer, O’Neil agreed to a three-year contract, which means United would need to compensate should they decide to hire him.
O’Neil, a former midfielder for Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, and West Ham United, began his coaching career with Liverpool U-18s, brought in by Michael Edwards during his tenure as the club’s sporting director. Edwards and O’Neil previously collaborated during Portsmouth’s Premier League days in the early 2000s.
As of this writing, Manchester United has not provided a response to ESPN’s inquiries.