Erik ten Hag admits he still misses trusted Man Utd ally axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a number of changes to his coaching staff over the summer after part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe prompted a major overhaul

Erik ten Hag has admitted he misses Steve McClaren all the time after the former coach was sidelined during an overhaul in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first summer as Manchester United part-owner.

Ratcliffe overhauled United’s team behind the scenes, adding the likes of Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Jason Wicox all brought in. The Ineos chief also took a closer look at the make-up of Ten Hag’s coaching staff early in the summer, with some changes following.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake both joined the club, prompting questions over what might happen with McClaren. The former England boss, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Twente, was essentially left without the clearly-defined role he had in the previous two seasons.

McClaren left to take the manager’s job with the Jamaica national team, but was back at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. United were up against Twente in the Europa League, and Ten Hag took the opportunity to speak about his former right-hand man.

“Every day” Ten Hag told TNT Sports when asked if he missed McClaren. “I miss him every morning at breakfast,” he added before questions followed about the importance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

“There are two routes,” the Dutchman continued. “Of course you want to achieve that [by finishing in] the first four in the Premier League, but the Europa League is also an opportunity to come in the Champions League for next season.

“We have to rotate the players but also look to the opponents and there are many aspects you take into consideration when you pick the team,” he said. United made a number of changes for the visit of Twente, with Harry Maguire among those coming into the side.

Are Manchester United missing Steve McClaren? Have your say in the comments section

McClaren wasn’t the only departure from Ten Hag’s coaching staff. Benni McCarthy and Mitchell van der Gaag also departed, with Van der Gaag pursuing a career as a first-team boss, and Van Nistelrooy, Hake and Andreas Georgson arrived.

“I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone at Manchester United for their friendship, help and support during the past two years,” McClaren said after his Old Trafford exit was confirmed. It was his second spell with the club, having previously worked under Alex Ferguson.

“I am delighted to have played my part in helping Erik deliver two trophies to the club and for my final game to have been our FA Cup victory over Manchester City, there can be no better note on which to end. I have no doubt the foundations that are in place at Manchester United will see the club challenging again soon for all the major trophies.”

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