- Steve McClaren could stay at Man United even if the club lose Erik ten Hag
- The former England coach has an existing relationship with a key INEOS figure
- Erik ten Hag has ‘lost the plot’ in ‘CAR-CRASH’ head coaching role at Man United – Listen to the It all starts! podcast
Steve McClaren will survive any change in Manchester United’s coaching staff at the end of the season, even if Erik ten Hag is shown the door by the club.
The Dutchman’s future remains the subject of huge speculation following United’s disappointing season and is expected to be replaced by the club’s new owners in the summer.
However, according to The mirror, Former England boss McClaren will remain on the Old Trafford payroll thanks to his close relationship with INEOS chief Dave Brailsford.
Brailsford will have a major influence on whether new minority owner Sir Jim Radcliffe remains at Ten Hag in the final year of his contract or brings a new face to the club.
McClaren was brought back to the Red Devils in 2022 as part of Ten Hag’s coaching set-up, and the 63-year-old is seen as someone who could continue to work with any newcomer.
Steve McClaren could remain on Man United’s coaching staff even if changes are made
The club could replace Erik ten Hag as United boss at the end of the season
Steve McClaren has remained friends with Dave Brailsford since his time as Derby boss
He befriended cycling guru Brailsford when he was boss at Derby, after inviting him to join the Rams squad over his philosophy of marginal gains that had made the GB team the best in the world.
The pairs shared a sporting philosophy and similar ideas, meaning they have maintained a relationship and McClaren could remain in some position at the club.
There were also rumors that the 63-year-old would temporarily take full control of the final few games of the season, until Ratcliffe decided to at least give Ten Hag the FA Cup final.
McClaren’s coaching methods have long been praised, dating back to his influence on United’s 1999 treble heroes. He also enjoyed success in the Netherlands at FC Twente, where he first teamed up with Ten Hag.
Since reuniting in Manchester, the pair enjoyed some success last season as they led the club back to the Champions League and clinched a Carabao Cup with a win over Newcastle.
Dave Brailsford will play a big role in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Man United next year
Together Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren enjoyed Carabao Cup success last season
However, it has been a hugely disappointing second season, with even an unlikely FA Cup win against rivals Manchester City failing to save Ten Hag’s job.
A number of names have already been linked with a possible vacancy at Man United this summer, with Ratcliffe said to be a big supporter of bringing in England boss Gareth Southgate.
While Thomas Tucal, Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter have all also been mentioned as possible replacements if the club decide to make a change.
After Monday’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, United find themselves in eighth place in the Premier League, with Europe’s best hope coming via the Europa Conference League.