Gary O’Neil breaks his silence on reported interest from Manchester United as Wolves boss claims it’s ‘an honour’ to be linked to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new coaching set-up

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has responded to Manchester United’s reported interest in bringing him across to Old Trafford under a new coaching plan. 

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was seeking O’Neil’s services as part of a potential new coaching set-up at the club, following his impressive season in charge at Molineux, stepping in at short notice following the exit of Julen Lopetegui.

Wolves, who sit ninth in the Premier League table, travel to Midlands rivals Aston Villa on Saturday night, looking to try and halt the hosts in their bid for a Champions League finish this term.

In the press conference for the Villa game, O’Neil said there was ‘no truth’ to the claims Man United were interested, but said it was an honour to be linked to the club.

The 40-year-old told reporters: ‘I don’t know where it came from.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly seeking O’Neil’s services as part of a new coaching set-up

‘Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special. It’s an honour to be linked even if there’s no truth in it.

‘I love it here. I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach. I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves. I was only made aware of it by the media team to prepare for your questions.’

O’Neil was previously in charge at Bournemouth, before being fired this summer, but Wolves took him on with a three-year deal following the late departure of Lopetegui just before the start of the current campaign.

O’Neil took over at Wolves at the start of the season, and they currently sit in ninth position

However, Wolves have surpassed the expectations of many pundits to currently sit in ninth place, and could qualify for European football next season with the right results between now and May 19. 

Wolves have back-to-back away games against Aston Villa and Burnley before hosting West Ham on April 6.