Many Wolves fans have reacted negatively to a report claiming Manchester United want Gary O’Neil – and ESPN pundit Shaka Hislop has now given his thoughts about the shock story.
It was claimed on Tuesday evening that United want to speak to O’Neil about a possible coaching role at Old Trafford, not to be the manager.
Supporters on social media were left unhappy, because O’Neil has enjoyed a tremendous campaign as Wolves boss, proving his managerial credentials.
At the moment, Erik ten Hag is under a bit of pressure. INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are seemingly wanting to put their stamp on the club after recently acquiring a minority stake, and could soon oust the Dutchman from his position.
O’Neil has been linked, but not with the manager’s job – and Shaka Hislop has been left dumbfounded by United’s supposed plan…
Shaka Hislop questions Manchester United as report claims they want Wolves boss Gary O’Neil for coaching role
It was claimed by ESPN that United senior figures have been ‘expressing a desire to discuss his intentions’.
They apparently want O’Neil to become a part of a coaching ‘setup’ but, seemingly, they don’t feel he is good enough to be a replacement for ten Hag in the actual hotseat.
Hislop, who is a former teammate of O’Neil, was speaking about the report from ESPN today in a video by the same publication.
In his eyes, there is no chance O’Neil would entertain such discussions.
He said: “I find it a little bit confusing. Maybe it’s the lack of information around what the role may be. If I’m Gary O’Neil, and let me say I know Gary O’Neil, I played with him at Portsmouth… there’s no real surprise to his rise. Of course, you’re never quite certain who will make a good manager. But Gary O’Neil is highly intellectual. It didn’t surprise me at all to see him progress as he has.
“That being said, given his career at Bournemouth where I thought he did an incredible job and was let go unfairly. Found himself as manager of Wolves and continues to do an incredible job.
“Why do you go to a club, even a much bigger club such as Manchester United, to be part of a backroom staff? I just don’t see that. Then the question also is, who is the manager?
“You don’t leave a club in Wolves to be part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff. Or with the greatest of respect, Roberto De Zerbi. Or to a Thomas Frank. I don’t understand that. Until there is more clarity around what’s being asked of Gary O’Neil, it makes absolutely no sense to me.”
O’Neil won’t leave Wolves for Manchester United coaching role
There is not a chance O’Neil would leave Wolves to take up a role in a coaching setup at Manchester United.
Yes, United are one of the biggest clubs in the world.
But it would be a slap in the face to O’Neil if Sir Jim Ratcliffe asked him to be a part of a coaching team answering to a manager.
O’Neil is a top manager now in his own right, having worked wonders at both Bournemouth and Wolves. Given the way he has completely galvanised both the Wolves players and fanbase against so much hardship, United would be lucky if they had someone like him as their actual manager.