Who will be Erik ten Hag's Man United assistant and backroom staff?

Jeorge Bird

Who will be Erik ten Hag's Man United assistant and backroom staff?  image

Erik ten Hag has been named as Manchester United's new manager from the end of this season and the Dutchman will be determined to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

There will be much focus on who Ten Hag appoints to be part of his coaching staff at United as he looks to improve the club's fortunes.

Here's a look at who Ten Hag could name as his assistant and other members of his backroom staff.

MORE: Who is Erik ten Hag? New Manchester United manager playing style, clubs managed & trophies

Who is Chris Armas and is he leaving Manchester United?

Chris Armas is an American coach who was previously in charge of New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC. In December last year, Armas was appointed as an assistant coach by United to work under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

However, Armas' time at United could be shortlived as, according to The Telegraph, the 49-year-old isn't in Ten Hag's plans.

In February, it was reported by ESPN that United players were frustrated with the 'old fashioned' training sessions overseen by Armas, with some individuals mockingly referring to him as fictional soccer coach Ted Lasso.

According to Sam Wallace of the Telegraph, Armas will leave United at the end of this season.

Chris Armas New York Red Bulls

Who is Steve McClaren and is he joining Man United?

The Telegraph state that Ten Hag wants Steve McClaren to be part of his coaching staff at United. The pair previously worked together at FC Twente when Ten Hag was an assistant to McClaren.

The Daily Mail report that United are urging Ten Hag to look at the club's existing members of staff before considering hiring others from elsewhere, but it seems the new manager is resolute in his demands.

McClaren has a strong connection to United having been appointed as the assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson in early 1999.

During his time at Old Trafford, McClaren helped the club to enjoy much success as they won the treble in the 1998-99 season before further Premier League titles in 2000 and 2001. He then left to take charge of Middlesbrough, starting a lengthy managerial career that included a woeful spell in charge of England, when the Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

stevemcclaren

During his time at Middlesbrough, McClaren won the League Cup in 2004. He had two spells at Twente and also had stints in charge of Wolfsburg, Derby County (twice), Newcastle United and QPR. Most recently he was a technical advisor and then a part-time senior advisor at Derby.

Speaking to The Athletic, McClaren revealed there are similarities between Ten Hag and Ferguson with regards to making substitutions.

McClaren said: "His adjustments in the games — obviously I had worked with Sir Alex, and I used to think that some of his subs and changes were strange, but they always worked. Erik is the same in that respect."

Who is Mitchell van der Gaag and is he joining Man United?

The Telegraph also claim Ten Hag wants Mitchell van der Gaag to come with him to United. Van der Gaag, 50, has been Ten Hag's assistant at Ajax since June 1, 2021. He was previously in charge of Ajax's reserve team.

Van der Gaag has also coached Maritimo, Belenenses, Ermis, FC Eindhoven, Excelsior and NAC. He won the Portuguese second division title with Belenenses in 2012-13.

He has worked in Britain before, having had a stint at Scottish side Motherwell as a player between 1995 and 1997. He scored a stunning goal on the final day of 1996/97 to help his side avoid relegation.

Ten Hag will hope Van der Gaag will be able to follow him to Old Trafford, although a deal has yet to be finalised.

Jeorge Bird