Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Rio Ferdinand backs Steve McClaren for Manchester United role

Rio Ferdinand believes Steve McClaren would be a sensible backroom addition for new Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.

The 52-year-old is set to take charge of United at the end of the season, though talks are still ongoing regarding his backroom staff at Old Trafford.

United are still working on a deal to appoint current Ajax number two, Mitchell van der Gaag, as assistant manager, with Ten Hag also keen to hire his backroom staff with further appointments.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand stance on Manchester United director role

McClaren, a former Sir Alex Ferguson assistant and England manager, has been heavily touted for a return to Old Trafford this summer. As well as working under legendary boss Ferguson, he's a former colleague of Ten Hag who was his assistant at FC Twente.

United have often been criticised for appointing former players to roles at the club, but Ferdinand, who was promoting theWeAre8 social media platform, believes McClaren would be a worthy acquisition as part of the new regime.

"If I was him, I would want someone who knows the landscape," Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News. "I think it would be a plus for him and it could help steer him in certain situations.

"I'm sure there will be certain situations that will crop up that he wasn't aware of. And it is good to have someone with experience. I think ultimately you've got to give him the freedom to pick his team and I think he will be doing his research, speaking with Edwin van der Sar, I'm sure.

"I think Steve McClaren would be a good choice. He understands what it is like to be over here and has also been part of a coaching staff at this club already."

WeAre8 is a hate-free social app that inspires people with great content and gets money into their pockets every time they watch an ad, and where they join millions of people to change the world in just two minutes a day. WeAre8 exists to bring power back to people and the planet. To learn more, visit www.weare8.com or install the WeAre8 app on the App Store or Google Play.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.