Michael O'Neill: Former manager is back as Northern Ireland boss

After taking over as Northern Ireland manager at the end of 2011, O'Neill led the side to the Euro 2016 finals in France, the country's first primary tournament qualification in 30 years. During the finals, he led his team to the second round, defeating Ukraine but ultimately falling to Wales in the last-16 game. Northern Ireland just missed out on the spot in the World Cup finals in Russia after losing 1-0 to Switzerland in a playoff in November 2017.

Following conversations with the Scottish FA, O'Neill turned down an opportunity to become manager of Scotland two months later, instead agreeing to a new deal to continue as the head of his nation. Following his hiring by Stoke, he initially continued as Northern Ireland manager, intending to stay on for the Euro 2020 playoffs, initially planned for March 2020 but were postponed because of the Covid-19 epidemic.



With the playoffs pushed back until at least the autumn of 2020, O'Neill resigned as international team manager on 22 April, with Baraclough taking over two months later.

FAQ:

1. What is Michael O'Neill currently doing?
   He is the current manager of the Northern Ireland national football team and a former player.
2. Is Ireland still a part of the United Kingdom?
   Ireland, a sovereign country, and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, make up the island of Ireland.