McClaren is out of work at the moment, but could return to coaching to support Ten Hague in a reversal of their time in the Netherlands. Ten Haag worked under McClaren at FC Twente at the Eredivisie in 2008/09, before winning the prestigious title. Last week, he described his Ajax boss as “like Ferguson” in terms of his meticulous approach. The photo should be the indication LINDSEY PARNABY / AFP via Getty Images McClaren had a bad rap in management due to his disastrous period as England manager during which he failed to qualify for the team for Euro 2008. The sad spells in Derby County and Newcastle did not help his purpose either.
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But apart from winning the Eredivisie title with Twente, McClaren also managed to lead Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup Final, which was not important at all. McClaren’s proudest achievement in management came as an assistant manager, working under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United during the season he won the Treble and then between 1999 and 2001.
McClaren could be a masterpiece
Bringing Steve McClaren to work under Erik ten Hag could be a masterpiece. The couple’s previous employment relationship will be in good standing and McClaren is not the guy looking for the limelight. The recruitment of McClaren would also respond to one of the simple negatives reported against Erik ten Hag, the lack of experience in the Premier League. Ten Haag clearly has the managerial skills, but he could easily be overwhelmed by his lack of familiarity with English football in his first season. McClaren can be a guiding hand, a guide in the right direction, who knows the club and everything that comes with it. Photo by Peter Lous / BSR Agency / Getty Images McClaren could be a key figure in taking the “Class of ’92” to his side, where everyone has worked under him, and have either expressed a preference for Pochettino or others. Familiarity with his methods could convince them, and any like-minded experts, that Ten Hague has been set up for United’s success, and that could be the key to helping the coach avoid criticism and accusations of inexperience. Other United / Netherlands figures have been advertised, such as Robin van Persie or Jaap Stam, but McClaren is much more experienced. Keeping in mind his coaching mind, which was good enough for Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999, would be a clever way to prepare Ten Hag for success. Dan is still wondering what would have happened if United had kept Juan Veron … Dylan Levitt explains what Welsh boss Robert Page told him during the international break
