Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neill (41) has ruled out a move to Manchester United.
“O’Neill has broken his silence on the shock reports linking him to United, insisting he is honored to be linked with the club but insists they are untrue,” The Sun reported on Tuesday. He said he was honored to be linked with the United manager but insisted it was not true,” the Sun reported.
O’Neill took charge of Wolverhampton in August last year. After former manager Julen Lopetegui left the club shortly before the start of the season due to his dissatisfaction with the club’s management, O’Neill was hastily appointed to take over. He signed a three-year contract.
O’Neill is a young coach, born in 1983, who began his coaching career in 2022 as acting manager of Bournemouth. He was highly regarded for guiding the Cherries out of relegation trouble, but was sacked abruptly in June last year. However, he quickly returned to the managerial ranks when he was called upon by Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton proved to be the right choice. After a shaky start to the season, with just one win and four losses in five league games, O’Neill quickly turned things around. With Hwang Hee-chan, Mateusz Cunha, and Pedro Neto scoring 10 league goals, the Toffees were a threat on the counterattack and stabilized their defense. As a result, Wolverhampton have 12 wins, five draws, and 11 losses in 28 league games, good for ninth place.
O’Neill’s proven leadership skills have even attracted interest from Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27% stake in the club late last year, is reportedly considering a change of manager. O’Neill is on Ratcliffe’s radar.
United began a new era in the summer of 2022 when they brought in Erik ten Haag from Ajax. He raised expectations in his first season, finishing third in the league and winning the League Cup.
However, in his second year, the club’s results have deteriorated. The Red Devils were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) at the bottom of the group stage and are sixth in the league. The fight for fourth place has become virtually impossible. There is even talk in England of sacking Van Gaal.
O’Neill has been touted as an alternative. However, he 사설토토 added: “It’s not true (the Man United rumors). I don’t know where it came from. Obviously, I’ve heard rumors,” he said.
“It’s not true (the Man Utd rumors). I don’t know where it came from. “Growing up, I always felt that Liverpool and United were two special, truly special clubs,” he said, adding, “First of all, it’s not true, but it’s an honor to be linked with United. Of course, it’s an honor to have your name mentioned alongside one of the biggest clubs in world football.”
Still, O’Neill’s mind was on staying at Wolverhampton: “But, like I said, I love it here (Wolverhampton). I’m a manager. I will always be a manager, and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolverhampton,” he said, ruling out speculation of a move elsewhere.
It’s also good news for Hwang Hee-chan. He has blossomed under O’Neill after being transformed into a central striker. Hwang is on pace for a career-high 10 goals and three assists in the league this season. If he stays with O’Neill next season, he’ll likely be a key part of the team’s offense.