Wolves boss linked with surprise Manchester United switch ahead of Aston Villa clash this weekend

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester United ahead of their clash against Aston Villa this weekend.

According to a report by ESPN, the 40-year-old has been identified by the Red Devils as a potential addition for their coaching staff.

O'Neil, who is from Kent, has done an impressive job since taking over Aston Villa's rivals last summer.

He spent his playing career with the likes of Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham, QPR, Norwich City, Bristol City and Bolton Wanderers and made 542 appearances in all competitions, scoring 38 goals, before hanging up his boots back in 2019.

O'Neil got his first managerial role at AFC Bournemouth and steadied the ship with the Cherries last term, keeping them in the Premier League.

He was then harshly dismissed at the end of the last campaign but was handed a route back into the dugout by Wolves.

They face Aston Villa this weekend following the international break.

O'Neil's men were beaten 3-2 at home by Championship side Coventry City last time out in the FA Cup quarter-final and have missed out on a place in the semi-finals at Wembley.

He said after the game, as per Wolves' website: “I’m really disappointed for the players who gave everything again and really disappointed for the supporters because they gave everything as well, stuck with the group on a tough day, so just disappointed for everyone around the place after we were close to another memorable result.

“The lads gave everything, that was as much as we could produce on the day and it wasn’t enough. The players gave everything, all of them –the boys who came on, the young lads, Sa made some really good saves, everyone gave all they could and it wasn’t enough today to get us where we needed to go.

“Congratulations to Coventry, we knew they’d be a test for us with where we’re at. I’m devastated for the players and fans that we weren’t able to get over the line. A tough afternoon, obviously.”