‘Big step backwards’ – Erik Ten Hag told to swerve Man Utd move for divisive old boy

Erik Ten Hag has been told he will be making a huge mistake by bringing in Steve McClaren as his Manchester United number two.

United are currently closing in on one of the most important appointments of their history. The Dutchman is the clear favourite to take charge at Old Trafford from interim boss Ralf Rangnick with what appears a difficult brief. Indeed, having fallen some way behind Liverpool and Manchester City, Ten Hag will be charged with closing that gap and ultimately overhauling them.

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Ten Hag will become the fifth permanent appointment United have made since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

As such, his appointment is likely to be rubberstamped in the coming weeks. And planning for a bright new era at Old Trafford is seemingly already underway.

Of course, plenty is being written and said about United’s squad. Decisions must be made over a number of big-name stars, with Jamie Carragher advising the Dutchman to dispense with the services of two major names.

However, Ten Hag’s first decision is likely to come behind the scenes with his choice as his No 2. The likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie – two former United strikers – have been touted as options.

That said, the door on Van Nistelrooy recently closed, while Van Persie has also seemingly turned his back on a return.

The likes of Rene Meulensteen and Peter Bosz are also reportedly