Steve McClaren is set to survive any changes to 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 is set to remain on the Old Trafford payroll thanks to his close relationship with INEOS chief Dave Brailsford.
Brailsford will have a huge say in whether new minority owner Sir Jim Radcliffe sticks with Ten Hag in the final year of his contract, or brings in a fresh 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 new arrival.
Steve McClaren could remain on Man United’s coaching staff even if changes are made
The club could be set to replace Erik ten Hag as United boss at the end of the season
Steve McClaren has remained friendly with Dave Brailsford since his time as Derby boss
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He became friendly with cycling guru Brailsford back when he was boss at Derby, after he invited him to Rams’ squad about his philosophy of marginal gains having turned the GB team into the best in the world.
The pairs shared sporting philosophy and similar ideas mean they have maintained a relationship and could see McClaren stay on in some position at the club.
There had also been some rumblings about giving the 63-year-old the full reigns on a temporary basis for the final few games of the season, until Ratcliffe decided to at least give Ten Hag the FA Cup Final to see over.
McClaren’s coaching methods have long been lauded, going back to his influence on United’s treble heroes of 1999, and he enjoyed success in Holland with FC Twente – where he first worked with Ten Hag.
Since reuniting in Manchester, the pair enjoyed a degree of success last season as they led the club back to the Champions League and delivered a Carabao Cup with a win over Newcastle.
Dave Brailsford will have a big part to play 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’s been a huge disappointing second season, where not even an unlikely FA Cup win against rivals Manchester City looks like saving Ten Hag’s job.
A number of names have already been linked with any possible Man United vacancy this summer, with Ratcliffe said to be a huge advocate for bringing in England boss Gareth Southgate.
While Thomas Tucal, Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter have also all been mentioned as possible replacements if the club decide to make a change.
Following Monday’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, United lie in eighth place in the Premier League, with their best hope of Europe looking to be through the Europa Conference League.
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