Erik ten Hag could be about to do something he's never done before at Manchester United

The 2023/2024 Premier League season has not yet begun and the manager merry-go-round is already gaining momentum.

Wolves confirmed on Monday night that manager Julen Lopetegui had left just days before the club take on Manchester United in the Premier League season opener. The experienced head coach took over at Molineux in November with his side rooted to the foot of the table, eventually guiding them to a respectable 13th.

It was supposed to be the basis of a burgeoning relationship, with supporters looking 20 miles southeast at the improvement Unai Emery oversaw at Aston Villa. But where they have built on their success and spent big, Wolves have gone backward.

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Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez, Nathan Collins and Conor Coady have all left this summer for a combined £83million, while the only incomings have been Matt Doherty and Tom King - both on free transfers. Financial Fair Play constraints have left the club unable to spend that money and Lopetegui, frustrated at the cards he has been dealt, has now decided to fold.

It means that when Wolves face United at Old Trafford on Monday, they will do so with a new man in the dugout. Gary O'Neil is the likely candidate, having left Bournemouth this summer after leading them to an impressive 15th place.

Erik ten Hag had already made a habit of kicking off the careers of new coaches. Last season, he fought against the 'new manager bounce' narrative three times.

Emery's first game in charge of Villa in November saw him welcome Ten Hag to the Midlands and then proceed to