'Honoured, but no truth': Premier League manager responds to rumours linking him to Man Utd
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has denied rumours linking him with a move to a potential coaching role at Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag is in the midst of a challenging season at Old Trafford.
With new co-owners at United, pressure is on the Dutchman to impress INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Gary O’Neil responded to the links to United ahead of Wolves’ Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.
He said (via SkySportsNews): “No, no truth. I don’t know where it came from.
“Obviously I’ve heard about it, but I think firstly, growing up Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special.
“They’re real special clubs, so it’s an honour to be linked, even though there is no truth in it, but as you can imagine, all my focus is on Wolves.
“Of course, when your name is mentioned with one of the biggest clubs in world football it’s always an honour, but as I’ve said, I love it here, I’m a head coach and I’ll always be a head coach. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Wolves.”
A step too big for Gary O’Neil
Ten Hag has failed to bring consistency to his team. He had a fine debut season but the expectations were bigger this campaign.
United are currently placed in the sixth spot in the Premier League table.
They are six points behind the coveted fourth place which will guarantee Champions League football for next season. Emirates FA Cup offers them the last opportunity to grab a silverware this term.
Not only the results but also the performances of the team have not been up to the mark.
A long injury list has not been helpful to Ten Hag. His key players like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have missed a large part of the season.
If United can secure Champions League football, the British Billionaire might think of handing another year to the Dutchman.
Gary O’Neil has won many admirers since taking over at Wolves on the eve of the season. His side is sitting in the 9th spot with 41 points.
There is no doubt that the 40-year-old has done well at Molineux, but moving to United would be a step too big for him.