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It was yesterday reported that Manchester United were planning talks with Wolves manager Gary O’Neil over a potential role in the new coaching setup that INEOS executive Dave Brailsford is putting together.
United want to build a new coaching structure led by a head coach focusing primarily on what happens on the pitch, rather than a traditional manager role overseeing multiple departments as Sir Alex Ferguson did for so many years.
O’Neil could be offered an assistant coach or an alternative coaching role, a step-down from his current managerial position at Wolves.
O’Neil, who has received a large amount of praise for his work at Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Wolves, is reportedly perceived by people within United as another example of a smart hire for the betterment of the club in a supporting role to another first-team head coach.
In what is only his first season at Wolves, O’Neil has been an undeniable success. Currently sitting in ninth place, O’Neil’s side are only six points behind Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United team.
As talkSPORT reports, O’Neil is ‘set to snub’ the approach from Ratcliffe’s team, as he views going from Wolves head coach to Red Devils coach or assistant as a ‘demotion’.
This is owing to the fact the role in question is still unclear, and it is rumoured the role will most probably be under the manager, which is why he probably views it as a demotion.
Wolves also plan to offer Gary O’Neil a new contract to fend off interest from Old Trafford.
O’Neil discussed his future earlier this month, noting that he is fully focused on finishing the season strongly at Molineux.
“I’m not available, so I shouldn’t be linked with any other jobs,” he said.
“I’m doing the job I want to be doing, love what we’re trying to achieve.,”he concluded.
