Man United’s former assistant manager Steve McClaren has given a unique insight to what it was like at Old Trafford working under Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag has been in charge of United since the summer of 2022, but it’s been a mixed journey with trophies won but the Red Devils often struggling on the field and in the league.
McClaren was by Ten Hag’s side until July when he departed for Jamaica, overseeing the first two years of his stewardship including the highs and the lows.
He was recently asked if Ten Hag is under pressure as United boss, with the Red devils 14th in the league table and much potentially riding on their game with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McClaren laughed almost instantly in response, before giving an open answer for what life is like as manager of United and revealing when he thought time was up.
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant manager, Steve McClaren (right) has opened up on working with the Dutchman (centre)
McClaren, who is now in charge of Jamaica, also revealed when he thought it was ‘the end’ for the current United boss
Ten Hag continues to face questions over his role amid a dire start to the season from United
‘Every day at Manchester United you’re under pressure,’ former England manager McClaren said. ‘I lived that with him for two years.
‘On many, many occasions. After Brighton and Brentford [fans were] calling for his head after two games, and then [we] beat Liverpool 3-0.
‘I remember last season, Crystal Palace 4-0, it could have been 8-0 and thinking that this is the end but [then] winning the next four games culminating in a cup final again and winning the cup.
‘Erik is that kind of person who has the qualities to stick to the process. I was there at the beginning of the season when all this was going on – the recruitment, the thing with Ineos bringing in different coaches and I remember leaving there and the atmosphere was great.
‘The atmosphere was great and the players they were recruiting were very good and the squad was building and developing.
‘I thought they were bringing in good coaches with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake and I thought there was a really good positive atmosphere and I think the season started like that.
‘Then they have stuttered but that is what happens in football, it happens at big clubs and Erik has proved over the last two years that we have been through this many times.
‘Many times we used to sit in that canteen at breakfast with a cup of tea with crisis after crisis but somehow continuing to do the work, continuing the process and coming out with a win at a vital time.’
McClaren admitted that he thought United’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last season was the end of Ten Hag’s reign
McClaren had previously backed ten Hag for his stance in his feud with Cristiano Ronaldo, which led to the Portugugal superstar leaving the club in November 2022 for the Saudi Pro League.
After Ten Hag dropped the five-time Ballon d’Or to the bench on multiple occasions in the opening weeks of the 2022-23 season, Ronaldo accused the 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 in the right.
‘I couldn’t fault his [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.’
