Steve McClaren 'could return to Man Utd' as part of new-look management team

The former England manager Steve McClaren could reportedly return to Manchester United as No.2 if Erik ten Hag becomes the new Old Trafford boss.

McClaren worked as No.2 to Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2001, helping guide the Red Devils to the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in his first season.

He then embarked on a career as a manager, taking Middlesbrough to the League Cup in 2004 and the final of the UEFA Cup in 2006.

He took over as England boss that summer, but was sacked late the following year after failing to secure qualification for Euro 2008 - still the last major tournament the Three Lions have missed out on.

It was in his next job at FC Twente where he first came across current Ajax boss Ten Hag, who worked as his assistant for the 2008-09 campaign.

The Guardian report that the bond shared between the two could now be replicated at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman looking for someone who is familiar with the club should he take over in the summer.

Ten Hag has become the frontrunner for the role having seemingly overtaken Mauricio Pochettino during the interview process, and former United forward Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy have also been linked with becoming his No.2.

McClaren is well-regarded in Holland having won the title with FC Twente in his second season.

Disappointing spells at Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest followed though, before a second spell at Twente failed to recapture the success of the first.

McClaren has also managed Derby County in two separate spells, and endured a disappointing nine months in charge of Newcastle in in the 2015-16 season as the Magpies headed towards Premier League relegation.

His last job came at QPR in 2018, but he was sacked shortly before the end of his first season.

Ten Hag may have edged ahead of Pochettino in the race for the job, but United's all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney says he would pick the former Tottenham boss if it were his choice.

"So if I'm choosing from one of them two I'd go for Pochettino - and give him time," Rooney told Sky Sports.

"Managers now they need time to come in and put their blueprint on the club and the team and given time I think he'll do well.

"Pochettino in my opinion is a top manager. He knows how to work with top class players but also with young players.

"They need to get that blend right because they can't afford to fail again."