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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tyrone Marshall

Erik ten Hag explains Steve McClaren appointment at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag wanted Steve McClaren to form part of his backroom staff at Manchester United because he has the experience of winning titles in his career.

The 61-year-old is returning to Old Trafford more than 20 years after he was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant manager and the club were initially reluctant to grant Ten Hag his wish to appoint McClaren.

But United have confirmed McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag - who was Ten Hag's No. 2 at Ajax - will form part of his backroom team as assistant coaches.

READ MORE: Ten Hag responds to Van Gaal's United criticism

United wanted Ten Hag to assess the coaching staff remaining at the club before deciding on McClaren, but he was adamant he wanted the Englishman, who has experience of the club and the Premier League, alongside him.

Ten Hag worked under McClaren when he was manager at FC Twente in the Eredivisie just over a decade ago and although they haven't worked together since they have now been reunited at Old Trafford.

McClaren's most recent coaching role in the game was as manager at Queens Park Rangers before he was sacked in March 2019. He then spent almost a year as technical director at Derby County and more recently has been a senior adviser to the club.

His return to Old Trafford is expected to see him resume coaching duties at Carrington.

“They both know how to get success, because they both win titles and trophies in their careers, that’s why they’re here," Ten Hag said of McClaren and Van der Gaag.

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