Key Takeaways:
- Wolves sacked Vitor Pereira on Sunday following a 3-0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday
- Erik ten Hag is among candidates considered for the vacant manager position
- Gary O’Neil, who led Wolves for 16 months, is in active talks for a dramatic return
Managerial Hunt Begins After Pereira’s Swift Exit
Wolverhampton Wanderers have commenced their search for a new head coach after Vitor Pereira’s dismissal, with the club rooted at the foot of the Premier League table. Pereira was relieved of his duties on Sunday, abruptly ending his tenure only weeks after inking a three-year deal. This decision followed a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday, compounding the club’s ongoing difficulties.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Wolves are exploring appointing Erik ten Hag as the manager of the club.
[@David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/ehxPC9XZzO
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 3, 2025
Ten Hag Considered Following Bundesliga Stint
Among the managers under consideration for the role is Erik ten Hag, who finds himself available after a short-lived spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Ten Hag’s time in Germany lasted just three matches in September before his departure. Prior to his stint in the Bundesliga, ten Hag managed Manchester United for two and a half years, where he secured silverware by capturing the League Cup in 2022 and the FA Cup in 2023. His Old Trafford tenure ended last October, with Ruben Amorim subsequently taking over.
Potential Return for O’Neil Amid Shortlist
Gary O’Neil, who previously managed Wolves for 16 months, is currently without a club and has entered active negotiations for a potential return to the club. Despite these discussions, the club’s hierarchy at Molineux are also examining other alternatives, with ten Hag, former Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick, and Rob Edwards, who currently leads Boro’s Championship campaign, all featuring on the shortlist.
| Candidate | Recent Club | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Erik ten Hag | Bayer Leverkusen (recent), Manchester United (prior) | League Cup (2022), FA Cup (2023) at Manchester United |
| Gary O’Neil | Wolves (prior) | 16 months at Wolves |
| Michael Carrick | Middlesbrough | Former Middlesbrough manager |
| Rob Edwards | Middlesbrough (current) | Guiding Middlesbrough’s current Championship campaign |
Official Club Statement on Pereira’s Departure
Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi addressed the decision regarding Pereira’s exit as follows: “Vitor and his team worked tirelessly for Wolves and helped guide us through a challenging period last season, for which we are grateful.
“Unfortunately, the start to this season has been a disappointment and, despite our strong desire to give the head coach time and matches to find an improvement, we have reached a point where we must make a change. We thank Vitor and his staff for their efforts and wish them the very best for the future.”
