While Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have done nothing yet to suggest that Erik ten Hag’s job is under threat – quite the opposite, in fact – that has not stopped Manchester United from being linked with countless managers from all corners of the continent.
If the rumours are to be believed, Gareth Southgate, Thiago Motta, Graham Potter and more have all been discussed by the Old Trafford outfit. More reliable sources, however, indicate that it’s more likely than not that Erik Ten Hag will still be in the dugout when 2024/25 kicks off.
And most will agree that the former Ajax boss deserves the chance to prove his worth under a proper structure, and with a fully-fit squad more suited to his demands.
Perhaps the oddest piece of speculation was the talk suggesting that Gary O’Neil could be brought in as part of the Manchester United coaching staff, presumably to work alongside the Dutchman in some capacity.
Gary O’Neil responds to Manchester United links
The 40-year-old Englishman has done an outstanding job at Wolves, further enhancing the reputation he built up while keeping Bournemouth out of the relegation zone last term. Understandably, having established himself as one of the brightest young tacticians around, O’Neil has no plans to step back into the shadows again, meaning any approach from Man United – should one arrive – would likely be returned to sender with barely a second thought.
O’Neil, meanwhile, insists that he has not heard anything from the Red Devils at this stage, even if the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder is pleased to learn that the sterling work he’s done at Molineux has not gone unnoticed.
“There’s no truth to it,” O’Neil tells Sky Sports. “And I don’t know where it came from.
“Growing up, Liverpool and Man United felt like special clubs. So it’s an honour to be linked. But all of my focus is here. I love it here.’
“No, nothing at all,” O’Neil adds when asked if there has been any contact with Manchester United. “I was only made aware of (the rumours) by our media team.”
Erik ten Hag confirms Lisandro Martinez return
Ninth-place Wolves are only three places and seven points behind Ten Hag’s side in the Premier League table. Man United travel to Brentford on Saturday night. A difficult season could still have a happy ending for the Red Devils, however, United’s injury issues easing with Ten Hag confirming that Lisandro Martinez could make his return tomorrow.
Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire are all available too.
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