Sources: Man Utd want O'Neil talks for coach role

Manchester United want to speak to Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil about a role in a potential new coaching setup at Old Trafford, sources have told ESPN.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group now in charge of football operations at United following the completion of their purchase of a 27% stake in the club in February, sources have said that the new regime, led by Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, are attempting to build a new coaching structure led by a head coach.

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And while no final decision has been made on Erik ten Hag’s future as manager, sources have told ESPN that United have already assessed England manager Gareth Southgate, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford‘s Thomas Frank as potential successors.

O’Neil, who was appointed manager at Molineux last August following the departure of Julen Lopetegui, has guided Wolves into contention for European qualification this season after keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League during his first top-flight job last season.

And sources have told ESPN that the 40-year-old has been made aware of United’s interest, with senior figures from the club expressing a desire to discuss his intentions.

Sources have confirmed United’s interest in O’Neil to ESPN, although the role that they may be prepared to offer is not known. Aside from assessing managerial options, sources have said United are also looking at bolstering their entire coaching team.

O’Neil signed a three-year contract when taking charge of Wolves last summer, leaving United with the prospect of having to pay compensation should they choose to offer him a job at the club.

The former Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and West Ham United midfielder started his coaching career with Liverpool U-18s having been hired by Michael Edwards during his time as the club’s sporting director.

Edwards and O’Neil had previously worked together during Portsmouth’s time in the Premier League in the early 2000s.

Man United declined to comment about the possibility of talks with O’Neil when approached by ESPN.