Erik ten Hag 'emerges as surprise candidate' to take over at WOLVES: Ex-Man United manager rivals Gary O'Neil, two months after he was sacked just 62 days into his new job

9 hours ago 5

By LUKE POWER, SPORTS REPORTER and LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 13:50 GMT, 3 November 2025 | Updated: 14:26 GMT, 3 November 2025

Erik ten Hag is reportedly one of the frontrunners to succeed Vitor Pereira at Wolves

He is one of the chief candidates alongside former Wolves gaffer Gary O'Neil, who managed the club between August 2023 and December 2024 before being sacked, with the two managers seemingly set to battle it out for the role.

Ten Hag has been out of work since September 1 when he was sacked by German club Bayer Leverkusen after just three games and 62 days in charge. 

But he could be in line for a shock return to management with the Premier League basement boys, according to The Athletic.   

Wolves sacked Pereira on Sunday following a dismal start to the season which has seen them pick up just two points in 10 games. 

Ten Hag has only ever managed senior sides at the top end of their respective divisions so a relegation scrap would be unfamiliar. 

Erik ten Hag (right) and Gary O'Neil (left) are seemingly set to battle it out for the Wolves job

It comes just weeks after Ten Hag was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen 62 days and three games into his role

He will certainly feel like he has unfinished business in the Premier League after being sacked by Manchester United in October last year.

He brought two domestic cups to Old Trafford but their abysmal form in the league led to him losing his job. 

Wolves, who are already eight points from safety, would provide a unique challenge.

The Dutchman was appointed by Bundesliga side Leverkusen in May as the successor to Xabi Alonso, who left to take charge at Real Madrid.

He was dismissed from Old Trafford just months into the season with United 14th in the Premier League after winning just four of their opening 14 matches.

His departure came despite the club triggering a one-year contract extension the previous summer.

O'Neil has held positive talks with Wolves over making a sensational return to the club. It would be a gamble for both him and Wolves. Results and performances saw O'Neil's reputation take a nose dive among fans, many of whom have long been fed up with owners Fosun.

O'Neil has not worked since he left the club, despite being linked with a number of roles, mainly in the Championship.

O'Neil was in charge of Wolves for a little over a year before being sacked in December 2024

His replacement, Vitor Pereira, has now also faced the chop and O'Neil could be set for a stunning return

Former Fenerbahce and Corinthians boss Pereira, meanwhile, was only handed a new three-year deal in September with Jeff Shi, the club's chairman, saying Pereira 'needs time to work with the squad, to build a chemistry with new players, and we will do everything to support him and his staff.'

But Shi's hand has been forced after Saturday's abject 3-0 defeat at Fulham in the Premier League.

Pereira arrived in the Black Country last December and steered the club away from trouble to finish 16th in the table.

The following summer saw significant upheaval of the playing squad, with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo among the key names to depart Molineux.

A dreadful start to the season which has left the club rock bottom and six points from danger had increased pressure on Pereira, though, and defeat at Fulham proved the final straw.

The likes of Michael Carrick and Rob Edwards have also been linked with the role, but Daily Mail Sport believes O'Neil has a good chance of winning the race. 

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