Manchester United board refuse Erik ten Hag’s request to appoint Steve McClaren as assistant manager

Manchester United’s board have shown ‘resistance’ to Erik Ten Hag’s proposal to appoint Steve McClaren as his assistant manager at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was announced as United’s new boss this morning on an initial three-year deal, though United have the option of extending that by a further 12 months.

Ten Hag wants to bring his existing coaching set-up at Ajax with him to United but he also wants to add someone with knowledge of the club to his backroom staff.

McClaren worked under Sir Alex Ferguson for two years between 1999 and 2001, helping United to three league titles and the treble in his first season.

Ten Hag was his assistant at FC Twente, where McClaren credits the coach for helping him to the Eridivisie title in his second season.

However, the Telegraph say that United’s board have shown ‘resistance’ to the idea and there’s uncertainty over whether Ten Hag will get his way.

United’s board want Ten Hag to analyse the existing staff that already at the club before making any decision on bringing McClaren with him to Old Trafford.

The likes of Mike Phelan, Darren Fletcher, Chris Armas and Eric Ramsay are already at the club, while there’s doubts over what role Ralf Rangnick will take next season.

It is anticipated that United’s board will have to cave to Ten Hag’s demands to appoint McClaren, or they risk undermining his project from the start.

The Dutchman wants to take Ajax coach Mitchell van der Gaag with him to Old Trafford.

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