Manchester United rumours have 'no truth,' says Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, admits an 'honour to be linked'

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil says there is “no truth” in rumours linking him to a coaching role at Manchester United, but he admits it is an “honour” to be mentioned.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s is now in charge of football operations at Old Trafford after the Ineos supremo became a minority owner of the club, and alongside director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, the pair are attempting to build a new coaching structure.

There is uncertainty over the future of manager Erik ten Hag, with England boss Gareth Southgate and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi reportedly admired by the United hierarchy.

After seeing O’Neil keep Bournemouth in the top flight last season and guide Wolves into European contention during the current campaign, United are also said to have the former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder in their sights.

Although flattered by the apparent interest, O’Neil moved to put an end to the rumours.

“No, no truth. I don’t know where it came from. Obviously, I’ve heard about it,” O'Neil said of the rumour.

“Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special, two real special clubs.

“Firstly, an honour to be linked even though there is no truth in it.

“Of course, when your name is mentioned with one of the biggest clubs in world football it’s an honour but, as I’ve said, I love it here [at Wolves].”

Ten Hag admitted that he "does not care” about the speculation that the new hierarchy is planning a managerial overhaul in the summer.

“You know at Man United there will always be noise, rumours around the club, the manager, the players,” he said on Friday.

“We are focusing on the process, we are focusing on the team to play better, to improve the way of play, so I don't care about [it].”

Having been a coach in Liverpool’s youth team set-up and then at Bournemouth, O’Neil was given the chance to prove himself as manager at the south coast club following Scott Parker’s sacking.

Despite keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League, O’Neil was surprisingly removed by The Cherries at the end of the 2022-23 season and Wolves moved quickly to give him the top job at Molineux, replacing Julen Lopetegui.

Having worked his way up, the potential prospect of taking on a role within a wider coaching structure at United - as has been mooted - does not carry much appeal for the 40-year-old.

“I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves,” O’Neil said.

Wolves are currently ninth in England’s top tier, three points behind West Ham in seventh - which is the lowest European qualification spot to seal a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off stages.

With a trip to high-flying Aston Villa followed by games against Burnley and West Ham, O’Neil has got plenty to concentrate on - without distractions putting doubt on his future.

“As you can imagine, all of my focus [is] on, we have 12 fit senior outfield players and we’re about to go into a three-game Premier League week," he said.

“All of my focus will have been on that and how we try and help the group get through what is going to be a difficult week but one that we’re really looking forward to.”

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