Wolves part ways with Lopetegui ahead of United clash, replacement already lined up

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, shakes hands with Julen Lopetegui, Manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, after the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 31, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Julen Lopetegui have parted ways ahead of the Premier League’s opening weekend. 

The Midlands outfit confirmed the news tonight – just six days ahead of their season opener against Manchester United.

It comes after days of speculation, as Lopetegui had grown frustrated with the board due to their lack of investment in the squad in the transfer window. They oversaw the exit of club captain Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal earlier in the summer and have bolstered the team with just two signings; Matt Doherty has returned to the Molineux from Atletico Madrid, and Tom King has signed on a free transfer.

Gary O’Neil to take over Wolves imminently

As per The Athletic, Lopetegui had made the decision to leave in recent weeks but agreed to hold the position until they sought a suitable successor, which is expected to be former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil.

He’ll take to the dugout at Old Trafford on Monday night to take on the Red Devils, so United supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that the notorious ‘new manager bounce’ won’t strike them again.

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