Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emerged as a leading contender for the vacant Wolves job following Vitor Pereira’s departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Dutchman finds himself the frontrunner for the role, leading to a potential “revenge” match against his former club in early December.
The Red Devils sacked the former Ajax boss in October last year, just months after he’d steered them to FA Cup glory.
Despite delivering two domestic trophies at Old Trafford, poor league performances ultimately cost him his position, as he secured just four victories from 14 Premier League fixtures.
For similar reasons, Wolves dismissed their Portuguese manager on Sunday after securing merely two points from their opening 10 matches this campaign.
Currently without employment since his departure from Bayer Leverkusen on September 1, Ten Hag lasted only 62 days and three matches at the German club.
His stint at the Bundesliga club ended after they terminated his contract after just three matches, having appointed him in May as Xabi Alonso’s successor following the Spaniard’s move to Real Madrid.
Throughout his managerial career, he has exclusively worked with clubs challenging for honours rather than battling relegation, making the prospect of guiding a team eight points adrift of safety an entirely new challenge.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emerged as a leading contender for the vacant Wolves job
|
ReutersO’Neil, who previously managed Wolves from August 2023 until December 2024, emerged to make an unexpected comeback to Molineux, but later withdrew his name following fan reaction.
His departure from the club saw his standing amongst supporters decline significantly, with many expressing frustration towards the ownership group Fosun.
Since leaving Wolves, O’Neil has remained absent from management despite connections to various positions, particularly in the Championship.
Despite Ten Hag leading the race, additional names mentioned for the vacancy include Michael Carrick and Rob Edwards.
Former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag will reunited with Bruno Fernandes if he gets the job
|
GETTY
Pereira’s exit followed Saturday’s comprehensive 3-0 loss at Fulham, despite receiving a three-year contract in September when chairman Jeff Shi stated 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.”
Wolves now sit at the bottom of the Premier League, 15 points behind Manchester United in eighth.
The teams will face off on December 8 at Molineux, with United tipped as favourites over the Wanderers.
Ten Hag was heavily criticised for both performances and signings whilst at Old Trafford.
Wolves sacked Victor Pereira on Sunday | PADuring his tenure, the Dutch manager spent more than £400million assembling a squad he believed could restore United to the top.
Many critics pointed to Ten Hag’s tendency to sign players he previously worked with at Ajax, including Antony, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, and André Onana.
While the familiarity was intended to expedite his tactical rebuild, several of those players struggled to adapt to the Premier League, drawing accusations of favouritism and short-sightedness in recruitment.
Injuries also plagued his project, with high-profile arrivals such as Mason Mount, Martínez, and Malacia spending long periods on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, marquee signings like Antony and Casemiro, brought in for huge fees, failed to live up to their price tags, further fuelling supporter frustration.
