There have been many names thrown into the hat for the coaching roles at Manchester United with the club under new management, but it seems as if the search could be over with contracts being prepared for both, Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren.
Man United are working fast with its new boss, Erik Ten Hag, to get things done ahead of what is going to be a busy but exciting preseason and summer transfer window. However, before they get stuck into business on the training pitch or step into the transfer market, the club needs to sort out their backroom staff.
As per recent reports: the club have named Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren as the two who will get the job with their contracts being prepared by the club. Ten Hag has a rich history with both men and sees them as the perfect candidates for a new-look United coaching staff.
Manchester United are preparing contracts for both Mitchel van der Gaag and Steve McClaren as they will join Erik ten Hag, becoming part of the new coaching staff in the next weeks. 🔴🤝 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2022
Van der Gaag told Ajax three weeks ago of his intention to sign for Man United.
Mitchel Van Der Gaag, Erik Ten Hag’s Number Two at Ajax
Never or rarely will you find a case where a new manager doesn’t take his second in command with him to a new club, that’s why there is no surprise in the move. It must be noted that van der Gaag has turned down the opportunity to be Ajax’s first-team head coach to stay by his countryman’s side, as they embark on arguably their most difficult task yet.
The two have enjoyed many successful moments together in the Eredivisie and Champions League. He was recently just promoted to an assistant coach by Ten Hag and is most credited for his work at the back, building near-impenetrable defensive lines.
"The former Motherwell centre back was promoted to assistant manager by Ten Hag at the start of the season, after having the No 1 job at eight teams including Maritimo of Portugal and Ajax’s reserve side.The 50-year-old is known for forging miserly defences, including at Ajax, who have conceded only 15 goals in their 29 league matches this season while scoring 85 at the other end.(Via: dailymail.co.uk)"
Every Manchester United Fan Knows Steve McClaren
Steve McClaren was assistant to the great Sir Alex Ferguson during the tremendous treble-winning era. As per the Mirror: McClaren and Erik Ten Hag have had a long-lasting relationship and have stayed in contact since their days together at FC Twente; Ten Hag was the deputy and Steve the boss.
"The new United boss is also set to appoint McClaren as another high-profile assistant to form part of the new-look coaching setup at the club.Ten Hag was assistant to McClaren when the former England boss was appointed at Dutch club FC Twente in 2008 before he moved on to PSV Eindhoven and the two have maintained a close relationship since.(Via: mirror.co.uk)"
The Englishman has enjoyed many other stints across Europe. He has won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente back in 2009/2010 and the Football League Cup with Middlesbrough in 2003/04.
The Good News Is Starting to Roll In for the Old Trafford Club
It really can’t get any worse for the Red Devils and judging by the swift movement being made in acquiring their backroom staff, it can only get better for them. Some new faces should follow Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren through the door at the Aon Training Complex.
If van der Gaag is being brought in for his defensive intelligence and Steve for his unparalleled tactical experience, who is being brought to solve the goal drought happing at the top end of the pitch? So far former United striker Robin van Persie has been named as a possible candidate.
The “Flying Dutchman” certainly knows one or two things about scoring goals and being a prolific goalscorer. He has 144 goals in 280 Premier League appearances while playing for Arsenal and Manchester United.