O’Neill staying on is big boost but top club may come calling: Jennings
Northern Ireland’s most capped player on 119 appearances added: “The fans have been brilliant in driving the team on and I’m delighted for them and the players that Michael is staying.”
Former Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers boss O’Neill will sign a four-year extension to his existing deal. He confirmed his decision at the Uefa Nations League draw earlier this week.
O’Neill’s men will host Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener on Saturday, September 8 and will then have
Northern Ireland will then have two away fixtures in League B Group 3 against Austria on Friday, October 12 and the Bosnians on Monday, October 15.
Their final match is at home to Austria on Sunday, November 18.
“Michael would gave given the offer from Scotland a lot of thought and I’m just pleased he is still our manager,” added Jennings. “I wasn’t surprised Scotland showed an interest in him after all the success we have enjoyed. No-one knows the players, their strengths and weaknesses, better than Michael.
“I’m surprised a Premier League or even Championship club hasn’t come in for Michael with a genuine offer but I’m sure the Northern Ireland fans aren’t complaining.
“The discussion around Michael’s future went on for months and was obviously a big decision for him. It must be a great feeling to know you are wanted and financially it has worked out well for him. The fact Scotland wanted him so badly reflects strongly the great work he has done, he’s done a brilliant job.
“There’s little security now for club managers compared to years ago when bosses were given three and four year contracts and allowed to see it out. They were given time to invest in a youth policy but now there’s a roundabout with the same names taking on different jobs.”
MANCHESTER United boss Jose Mourinho has signed a new contract at the club that runs until 2020, with the option for a further year.
The 54-year-old replaced Louis van Gaal as United’s boss in 2016 and last season he won both the EFL Cup and Europa League as well as the Community Shield.
“We have set very high standards — winning three trophies in one season — but those are the standards I expect my teams to aim for,” Mourinho said.
“We are creating the conditions for a brilliant and successful future for Manchester United.”
Mourinho has been the most successful United manager of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era in terms of silverware but his side finished sixth in the Premier League last term and trail leaders Manchester City by 12 points this season.
The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss penned a three-year deal with the option for a further 12 months upon taking the job at Old Trafford and Mourinho recently rubbished a story that claimed there were fears he could resign at the end of this campaign.
Should he remain at United for the duration of his new contract, Mourinho’s stay would be the longest of his managerial career.
“I am really honoured and proud to be Manchester United manager,” he added.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the owners and to Mr (Ed) Woodward for the recognition of my hard work and dedication. I am delighted they feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future.”
Speaking about Mourinho’s new deal, executive vice-chairman Woodward said of the Por- tuguese: “He has brought an energy and a sense of purpose to everything that he does and I am sure that will continue to bring results for the fans and the club.”
It has been a week of good news at Old Trafford after the signing of Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez on Monday in a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Mourinho has, however, dismissed reports suggesting that United are seeking a reunion with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports in Spain yesterday suggested five-time Ballon d’Or winner may be allowed to leave if Madrid secure the signing of Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar this summer.
This latest round of speculation follows claims that the 32-year-old is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu following a lack of progress in discussions about a new contract, while Madrid’s poor form of late has only escalated talk that Ronaldo could leave. Zinedine Zidane’s side currently sit fourth in La Liga, 19 points