Jaap Stam confirms he is 'open to any role' at Manchester United amid job links

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has admitted that he is "open to any role" at Old Trafford amid links connecting him with a return to the club.

With fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag the overwhelming favourite to succeed Ralf Rangnick and become United's next permanent manager this summer, links connecting Stam with a return to the club have been rife in recent weeks. Ajax boss Ten Hag is United's preferred candidate to take charge this summer and Ajax bosses expect him to leave the club for Old Trafford this summer.

As expected, speculation concerning who could join Ten Hag at United and form his coaching team has been heavy in recent weeks. Former striker Robin van Persie has been linked with a return, as has former Reds assistant manager Steve McClaren, following his time working with Ten Hag at FC Twente in the past.

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Former United defender Stam, who will line up for United in the Legends of the North charity match against Liverpool at Old Trafford next month, has also been linked with a return to the club. And the prospect of returning to United is something the former Reading manager is prepared to explore, admitting that he is "open" to a return.

"In principle, I am open to any role at Manchester United," Stam told Voetbal Primeur. "I have enjoyed working and living there, and I owe a lot to the club.

"If I can help Manchester United in any way, I'm open to it, provided it's in a role that suits me."

The Dutchman, who played for United between 1998 and 2001, has been out of football since being sacked by MLS side FC Cincinnati back in September. His other managerial experience has come at the likes of