Jaap Stam responds to talk he could return to Man Utd as a coach under Erik ten Hag

Jaap Stam would ‘straight away’ accept a coaching role at Manchester United under the club’s new permanent manager.

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag was interviewed by the club last week and is considered the current front runner for the job – although Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino and Spain head coach Luis Enrique are also under consideration.

According to reports last week, Ten Hag wants to bring in a former player who understands ‘the bond’ between the squad, staff and fans if he is named the new United boss.

Stam was named alongside former United strikers Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie as possible candidates for the role.

And the former centre-half, who left his last role as manager of MLS side FC Cincinnati last September, says he would have no hesitation in helping his former club and working alongside his fellow Dutchman.

‘If they (Manchester United) would ask me (to take a coaching/managerial role), I would do it straight away without a doubt,’ Stam told Betting Expert.

‘You know United is my life as well. I’ve had great seasons over there, won trophies and it’s been very important for me.’

He continued: ‘In any way, if I could help them out, I would be tempted to do it.”

‘I know they are probably not going to come and call me, but also in a different role, and that counts I think for every player who has played for United.

‘I think everyone is very eager to help the club and hopefully, bring them to the absolute top level.”

‘Like I said, you never know, that would be interesting.’

‘It’s all about owners, it’s all about technical directors, it’s all about coaches that step in, who do they want as assistant coaches. That’s how it goes.’

Meanwhile, Ajax technical manager Gerry Hamstra has not given