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Steve McClaren returns to Manchester United as Erik ten Hag builds coaching team

Erik ten Hag (left) with Mitchell van der Gaag (centre) and Steve McClaren (right) at Selhurst Park

Manchester United have announced the appointment of Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag as Erik ten Hag’s assistant coaches.

McClaren is a former England, Middlesbrough and Newcastle manager, and returns to United having previously worked as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson from 1999 to 2001. 

In his first year at Old Trafford, McClaren helped the team to the infamous FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League treble.

Two more league titles followed during his stint as assistant, with McClaren gaining a reputation as one of the most tactically astute coaches in England.

The 61-year-old enjoyed his best spell in management at Middlesbrough, where he guided the club to a League Cup triumph, a seventh-placed Premier League finish, and a stunning run to the final of the UEFA Cup.
McClaren also claimed the 2009/10 Eredivisie title with FC Twente - with Ten Hag as his number two.

Van der Gaag, on the other hand, is a former Motherwell defender who spent a year as Ten Hag's assistant at Ajax.

All three men were at Selhurst Park on Sunday as they watched Manchester United conclude their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils have endured a torrid season, finishing in sixth place with their lowest ever points total in the Premier League era.

United lost 12 games in the league this season, and endured early eliminations from the FA Cup, League Cup and the Champions League.

Erik ten Hag was officially announced as the new manager of the club on April 21, replacing interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

READ MORE: Seven successful assistants that flopped as managers including Steve McClaren and Pep Lijnders

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