McClaren set for ‘surprise return’ to Man Utd on one condition

Steve McClaren could be given the Man Utd assistant manager’s job if Erik ten Hag takes the reins at Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Red Devils are looking to appoint a permanent manager ahead of the summer with interim boss Ralf Rangnick set to move into a consultancy role at the end of the season.

Ajax boss Ten Hag and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino have emerged as the two frontrunners for the position with Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique ruled out of the running.

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Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Ten Hag is now leading the race to become the next permanent Man Utd manager and The Guardian now claims that McClaren is ‘under consideration for a return to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s No 2 should the Dutchman be appointed’.

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It is understood that he is ‘in line for surprise return’ if Ten Hag takes over with the Ajax boss working under McClaren at FC Twente.

McClaren has been Man Utd assistant manager before under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2001 before he left to become Middlesbrough manager.

On their search for a new manager, The Guardian adds: ‘Although United are still considering other candidates including Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino, it is understood that 52-year-old Ten Hag has particularly impressed the