Man Utd eye Gary O'Neil talks over coaching role - report
Manchester United
Man Utd eye Gary O'Neil talks over coaching role - report
Manchester United are keen on talks with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil over a coaching role at Old Trafford
United manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure to prove himself
O'Neil was appointed as head coach of Wolves in August
By Katie Catherall
11:00 AM GMT
O'Neil has had an impressive season with Wolves
O'Neil has had an impressive season with Wolves / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages
Manchester United are keen on initiating talks with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil over a potential coaching role at Old Trafford.
O'Neil was handed his first managerial role by Bournemouth in November 2022, after a successful three-month interim spell. He then fought to keep the Cherries in the Premier League before being subjected to a shock sacking in June 2023.
The 40-year-old was then snapped up shortly afterwards, joining the team at Wolves and leading them to surprise success in the top-flight. He's enjoyed an impressive season, leading the once relegation-bound side into European contention having taken over less than a week before their first fixture of the 2023/24 campaign.
According to ESPN, United are now planning talks with O'Neil as part of several changes both on and off the pitch following the club's recent takeover by INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Gary O'Neil
O'Neil was given his first coaching job by Bournemouth / Tom Dulat/GettyImages
O'Neil's skillset is admired by United, who are hoping to bring the Wolves boss into their coaching team. An exact role has not been named, however it is believed they will offer him a position underneath the head coach.
It seems United will be looking to take the club in a new direction, reshaping the coaching structure by building a team under a head coach, rather than a manager.
O'Neil still has two years left on his deal at Molineux, and should he leave, United will be forced to pay compensation to the club. Reports state that O'Neil has been made aware of the interest from United.
A decision is yet to be made on the future of Erik ten Hag at United, but reports show that Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford's Thomas Frank, and England boss Gareth Southgate have been considered as potential successors.
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Gareth Southgate reveals how Kobbie Mainoo breakthrough has changed England's Euro 2024 plans
Mainoo made first senior England start and won player of the match in Tuesday night's draw with Belgium
Man Utd midfielder was a late call-up to Three Lions squad for March friendlies
Manager Southgate reveals what helps the teenager stand out
By Jack Gallagher
11:30 AM GMT
Mainoo has enjoyed a breakthrough season for Man Utd and England
Mainoo has enjoyed a breakthrough season for Man Utd and England / Clive Rose/GettyImages
Gareth Southgate has admitted Kobbie Mainoo's stunning breakthrough at Manchester United has changed England's plans moving forward.
Mainoo was a late inclusion in the England senior squad for the March international friendlies against both Brazil and Belgium, making his debut off the bench in the former before starting the latter.
While Mainoo impressed in his brief cameo against Brazil, the midfielder was the star of the show in the 2-2 draw with Belgium at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, earning the player of the match award for his efforts in the middle of the park.
Speaking about the youngster's fantastic performances, Southgate hailed Mainoo's maturity and his unique skill set.
He said: "He gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we've got and we're really pleased with what he's done, he's adapted and adjusted brilliantly. You can't believe his age really, that he's taking it all in his stride as he has.
"He seems very mature, very calm, he knows he's making his way.
"We're absolutely delighted with what he's done, first and foremost. We know some of the core parts of that, we know who has been able to play at that level, we know who our very best players are, and the rest we've got a lot clearer picture of what people are capable of from the two games we've played."
Gareth Southgate, Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo impressed / Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages
Speaking about what the future holds for Mainoo in the England set-up, Southgate admitted the Man Utd midfielder's form 'blew apart' the plans he has moving forward.
He added: "We're just going to see how people are when they come back into form, whether they can do that fitness-wise with their clubs.
"But there's a lot of the season still to be played with his club. I had a plan on Saturday night for Tuesday that got blown apart in 12 hours so to have a plan for something in two-and-a-half months time, at the moment, is frankly ridiculous.
"Everything that we've seen with his club, he reproduced in an England shirt which isn't always the case. Very calm, receives the ball so well under pressure, strong, so we are a little bit more open playing that way but the benefits with the ball were clear to see.
"Talking to him tactically, he seems able to take all those concepts on. A lot of young players now, with their academy education, are able to do that. You can see his comfort with the ball and receiving in tight areas."
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