Manchester United favourite Jaap Stam says he would love to return to the club in a coaching capacity under their next permanent manager. United have accelerated plans in their search for a new first-team boss over the international break, with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino still the two front-runners for the role.
The club are not expecting anything 'imminent' concerning their managerial situation after interviewing Ajax coach Ten Hag last week. The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this month that Ten Hag is United's preferred candidate to become their next permanent manager, edging ahead of Pochettino.
Ajax have refused to comment on Ten Hag's future and the Dutchman is out of contract in 2023. Pochettino is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
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There is still plenty of work to do before United are in a position to name their next manager, but former defender Stam has signalled his interest at returning to the club in the years ahead. He's been linked with a possible role under Tan Hag, if he took the job.
“If they would ask me (to take a coaching/managerial role), I would do it straight away without a doubt," Stam told bettingexpert.
“You know United is my life as well. I’ve had great seasons over there, won trophies and it’s been very important for me. In any way, if I could help them out, I would be tempted to do it."
"I know they are probably not going to come and call me, but also in a different role, and that counts, I think, for every player who has played for United. I think everyone is very eager to help the club and hopefully, bring them to the absolute top level.
“Like I said, you never know, that would be interesting. It’s all about owners, it’s all about technical directors, it’s all about coaches that step in, who do they want as assistant coaches. That’s how it goes.”
Stam last worked as manager of FC Cincinnati before he was sacked last year. He has also managed Jong Ajax, Reading, PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord.
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