Manchester United are reportedly set to add Steve McClaren to Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
According to ESPN, Steve McClaren is set to return to Manchester United as part of incoming manager Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff. McClaren, a former England head coach, worked under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2001 and was part of the legendary manager’s coaching staff when the Red Devils famously won the treble.
The Englishman previously worked with Erik ten Hag during his famous spell as the manager of the Dutch side Twente. McClaren led the club to their first-ever Eredivisie title in 2010, which was just his second season with the club.
The 61-year-old is thus a great option to be a part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff due to his links with the incoming Manchester United manager and the club. McClaren was England men’s football team’s head coach between 2006 and 2007, which means he has ample experience of working under pressure.
The former Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers manager was part of the recent meeting between Manchester United officials and Ten Hag in Amsterdam, the aforementioned report claims.
Ten Hag, who recently won the Eredivisie title with Ajax, is set to take over as the Manchester United manager in the club’s most turbulent times in recent history. He has a huge task at hand and McClaren’s presence, along with his Ajax assistant Mitchell van der Gaag, who will move to Manchester United with him, will be much needed.
The aforementioned ESPN report claims that Robin van Persie, Rene Meulensteen and Michael Appleton have also been considered to be part of Ten Hag’s backroom staff at the club.
The Dutch tactician has started planning for the upcoming summer transfer window already with a midfield signing believed to be a priority. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is reportedly close to joining Manchester United as the Blaugrana are desperate to clear their wage bill. De Jong played under Ten Hag at Ajax and a reunion seems to be on the cards.
An eventful summer and a huge season awaits Ten Hag and adding a familiar face like McClaren to his support staff could serve the Dutchman well in his debut campaign in England.
