Steve McClaren opens up on working under Erik ten Hag and reveals the moment he thought this was ‘the end’ for under-fire Man United boss after enduring ‘crisis after crisis’ last season

Man United’s former assistant manager Steve McClaren has given a unique insight into what it was like at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag has been in charge of United since the summer of 2022, but it has been a mixed journey with trophies won, but the Red Devils often struggle on the field and in the league.

McClaren was at Ten Hag’s side until he left for Jamaica in July, where he oversaw the first two years of his stewardship, including the highs and lows.

He was recently asked whether Ten Hag is under pressure as United boss, with the Red Devils sitting in 14th place in the table and potentially playing a big role in their clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Speak with Air sportsMcClaren laughed almost immediately in response, before giving an open answer about what life is like as United manager and revealing when he thought time was up.

Erik ten Hag’s former assistant manager, Steve McClaren (right), has opened up to working with the Dutchman (middle)

McClaren, who is now in charge of Jamaica, also revealed when he thought this was 'the end' for the current United boss

McClaren, who is now in charge of Jamaica, also revealed when he thought this was ‘the end’ for the current United boss

Ten Hag continues to face questions about his role amid United's poor start to the season

Ten Hag continues to face questions about his role amid United’s poor start to the season

“Every day you are under pressure at Manchester United,” said former England manager McClaren. ‘I lived that with him for two years.

‘On many occasions. After Brighton and Brentford [fans were] after two games calling for his head, and then [we] beat Liverpool 3-0.

‘I remember last season, Crystal Palace 4-0, it could have been 8-0 and I thought that was the end, but [then] winning the next four games, culminating in another cup final and winning the cup.

‘Erik is someone who has the qualities to stick to the process. I was there at the start of the season when all this was going on – the recruitment, the stuff with Ineos bringing in different coaches and I remember leaving there and the atmosphere was great.

“The atmosphere was great and the players they recruited were very good and the squad was building and developing.

‘I thought they brought in good coaches with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake and I thought there was a really good positive atmosphere and I think that’s how the season started.

‘Then they started to stutter, but that is what happens in football, it happens at big clubs and Erik has proven over the past two years that we have experienced this many times.

‘We often sat in the canteen having breakfast with a cup of tea, with crisis after crisis, but somehow we kept doing the work, continued the process and emerged with a victory at a crucial moment .’

McClaren admitted he thought United's 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last season marked the end of Ten Hag's reign

McClaren admitted he thought United’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last season marked the end of Ten Hag’s reign

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McClaren had previously backed Ten Hag over his stance in his feud with Cristiano Ronaldo, which led to the Portuguese superstar leaving the club for the Saudi Pro League in November 2022.

After Ten Hag dropped the fivefold Ballon d’Or sat on the bench several times in the opening weeks of the 2022-2023 season, Ronaldo accused United boss of ‘betraying’ him and claimed he had no respect for him.

Ronaldo’s contract was mutually terminated just days later, with fans and pundits divided over who was right.

‘I couldn’t blame him [Ten Hag’s] approach,” McClaren told The Telegraph as he reflected on the bitter dispute. ‘He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in.”


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