Erik ten Hag has spoken of his heartfelt longing for former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren, following the widespread changes by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s summer shake-up at Old Trafford.
As Ineos tycoon Ratcliffe reshaped the Red Devils’ backroom, notably introducing Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox, Ten Hag’s coaching team came under scrutiny with some clear adjustments taking place.
McClaren, an influential figure who had worked with Ten Hag at Twente and was key in the previous seasons, found himself without a distinct role and departed to manage Jamaica’s national squad. However, on Wednesday night, with Manchester United facing Twente in the Europa League, McClaren was back, albeit as a spectator.
Before the clash that concluded in a 1-1 draw, Ten Hag, questioned by reporters on the significance of ensuring UEFA Champions League football next term, confessed how deeply McClaren’s absence is felt at the club. “Every day,” he said to TNT Sports, emphasizing the gap left by McClaren, “I miss him every morning at breakfast,” the United manager revealed.
“There are two routes,” the Dutchman continued. “Of course you want to achieve that [by finishing in] the first four in the Premier League, but the Europa League is also an opportunity to come in the Champions League for next season.
“We have to rotate the players but also look to the opponents and there are many aspects you take into consideration when you pick the team,” he said. United made a number of changes for the visit of Twente, with Harry Maguire among those coming into the side.
McClaren wasn’t the only departure from Ten Hag’s coaching staff. Benni McCarthy and Mitchell van der Gaag also departed, with Van der Gaag pursuing a career as a first-team boss, and Van Nistelrooy, Hake and Andreas Georgson arrived.
“I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone at Manchester United for their friendship, help and support during the past two years,” McClaren said after his Old Trafford exit was confirmed. It was his second spell with the club, having previously worked under Alex Ferguson.
“I am delighted to have played my part in helping Erik deliver two trophies to the club and for my final game to have been our FA Cup victory over Manchester City, there can be no better note on which to end. I have no doubt the foundations that are in place at Manchester United will see the club challenging again soon for all the major trophies.”
The midweek clash at Old Trafford did nothing to alleviate the scrutiny on Erik ten Hag’s tenure. Christian Eriksen’s first-half opener against Twente was overshadowed by his mistake that led to a levelling goal.
Former United coach Steve McClaren pinpointed the shortcomings at the club, noting: “I think at United now, the wingers need to contribute and the midfielders need to contribute..”
