Manchester United send firm response to Gary O'Neil rumours

With 10 games to go this season, O’Neil’s work is being recognised by other clubs, who are now being linked with making a move.

Reports in the north-west suggested that the Red Devils want to speak to O’Neil about a potential new role in their coaching set up.

Following the purchase of a 27 per cent stake in the club, which puts them in charge of football operations, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group are seeking to build a new coaching structure at United.

The club have also been linked with England manager Gareth Southgate, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank, with ten Hag’s future in doubt.

But sources have told the Express & Star that United are currently planning for the summer with ten Hag in charge for next season.

The new United structure reportedly will see a head coach supported by a number of coaches below them.

The specific role that O’Neil is being courted for is unknown, but it remains unlikely he would leave Wolves for anything less than a head coach role elsewhere.

Reports have suggested that O’Neil, who has also been linked with West Ham and the England job in recent months, has already been contacted by United to make their interest known.

But the former Bournemouth boss signed a three-year deal at Wolves when he joined last summer, which puts the club in a strong position to keep him or demand significant compensation if an approach is made.

Wolves are still planning to hold talks with the head coach over a new contract in the coming months, to reward him for a stellar first campaign.

Speaking in early March, Hobbs admitted he would be surprised if clubs were not looking at O’Neil and that Wolves would prepare for his departure in the same way they do for any of their players.

“They should be looking at him,” Hobbs said on the reported interest in O’Neil.

“Gary is unbelievably meticulous.

“His attention to detail is incredible and his work ethic is incredible.

“His staff, not just him, are a big part of it as well. I saw him linked to the England job. I get it.

“When we met him, we thought there might be something special about him. He has not done anything to go away from that.

“He is still learning and developing and improving, but he has humility.

“He listens, we talk at the training ground all the time.

“He is excellent and I would be surprised if clubs weren’t looking at him. But that is no different to a player. You have to be ready for it.”