Manchester United fans are befuddled over news that INEOS Group wants Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil to be their next manager.
Erik ten Hag has stabled the ship at United but the confidence in him is at an all-time low after a failure to make United the club it used to be after two years and many bold speeches. It is uncertain if he will continue but reports have it that INEOS are looking around.
The 40-year-old former West Ham United midfielder is a rookie by all standards. He is the youngest manager in the Premier League and has only ever managed one other club in his career besides Wolves. His inexperience led his former club, AFC Bournemouth, to part ways with him at the end of last season.
Now at Wolves and proving that he can hold his own in top-flight management, many still believe he will need to spend more time in smaller clubs to become a well-rounded manager.
This is why the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new administration talking with him over the Old Trafford role is surprising to many fans.
It is understood, however, that INEOS wants to take another route, which has led them to speak with O’Neil.
The sports management giants are looking to build a new coaching structure with a head coach instead of a manager. O’Neil, being inexperienced, can use the role to focus on becoming a better tactician while INEOS or their representative handles the management (staffing, player scouting, recruitment, etc).
ESPN writes: “While no final decision has yet been 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.”
“Sources have told ESPN that O’Neil 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.”
