Manchester United 'plan' talks with promising Premier League boss amid Erik ten Hag uncertainty

Manchester United are planning to hold talks with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of Erik ten Hag, according to reports.

Ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford during what has been a season of regression. United's only chance at silverware is the FA Cup while a place in next season's Champions League is currently unlikely, with Aston Villa and Tottenham both better placed.

Another issue for Ten Hag is the belief that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe would prefer to hire a more natural head coach, rather than a manager, with more power being handed to a sporting director, chief executive or other similar roles. United are thought to have sounded out potential replacements and ESPN reports that O'Neil is on that list.

Having been sacked by Bournemouth last summer and replaced by Andoni Iraola, O'Neil took over at Wolves just days before their first game of the season at United. Despite that, the 40-year-old oversaw an excellent performance that day at Old Trafford and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

O'Neil's ability to squeeze the best out of every player in his squad is thought to have impressed United chiefs, while his tactical flexibility bodes well for an environment in which he will welcome signings made by those above him. The report does add that the specific role United have in mind for O'Neil is not known and there are plans to improve the entire coaching staff.

Alongside O'Neil, United are thought to have assessed Brentford's Thomas Frank and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi. There has also been talk of appointing England boss Gareth Southgate if he moves on after Euro 2024.

It is not certain that Ten Hag leaves United this summer and repeating last season's achievements would help his cause massively. An FA Cup final is expected, with Coventry City to beat in the semi-finals, while the expanded Champions League format has increased chances of qualification.

The Premier League is on course to be handed a fifth spot in Europe's flagship competition, meaning United would only have to overtake one of Villa or Tottenham between now and May, rather than both. Ten Hag's Reds return to action at Brentford on Saturday, the first of their final 10 league games.