- Erik ten Hag has addressed Steve McClaren’s exit from the club.
- The 63-year-old has accepted the role of head coach for the Jamaica national team.
- McClaren served as the manager of the England national team from 2006 to 2007.
Erik ten Hag has addressed the departure of Steve McClaren from Manchester United, offering a sincere tribute to his former assistant coach.
On Wednesday, Jamaica announced McClaren as their new men’s national team head coach, marking the end of his tenure at Old Trafford.
The 63-year-old, who was previously an assistant under Sir Alex Ferguson, returned to the club two seasons ago when ten Hag was appointed to restore the team to its former glory.
Now, the first-team coach ten Hag has acknowledged the ‘invaluable’ contributions McClaren made during his two years on the coaching staff at United.
In a statement on the official club website, ten Hag expressed: ‘I want to thank Steve for his tremendous service over the past two years.’
Erik ten Hag (left) has addressed Steve McClaren’s exit from Manchester United
McClaren has spent the past two years as assistant to men’s first-team manager ten Hag
‘He has been an invaluable source of support and advice to me since I arrived in English football, helping us achieve two trophies while laying down foundations for further success.’
‘Steve and I have been friends for 16 years since we first worked together at FC Twente, and that relationship will continue as he embarks on this next challenge, as will his bond with Manchester United. We all wish Steve the best of luck in his new role.’
McClaren’s impact at United was evident as the team secured the Carabao Cup in ten Hag’s inaugural year and triumphed over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season.
McClaren himself commented, ‘I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Manchester United for their friendship, help, and support throughout my time here.’
‘I am proud to have contributed to Erik’s achievement of two trophies for the club, and I cannot think of a better way to conclude my time than with our FA Cup victory over Manchester City.’
‘I am confident that the solid foundations at Manchester United will see the club competing for major trophies again very soon.’
The 63-year-old – who previously was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson – expressed pride in becoming the new head coach for Jamaica
Jamaica have been without a manager since Heimir Hallgrímsson stepped down at the end of last month
Previously, McClaren managed England, experiencing an unsuccessful tenure from 2006 to 2007 and leaving the role after failing to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2008.
He has since continued to work in assistant roles and participated in United’s pre-season preparations ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. However, he is now set to transition to his new position in Jamaica.
Confirming his departure, McClaren remarked that his prior role as a technical advisor at FIFA influenced his decision to take on the challenge of developing the Jamaica national team.
‘I am incredibly proud and thrilled to accept the role of head coach for the Jamaica men’s national team. I had no hesitation in embracing this opportunity as it perfectly aligns with my career aspirations at this point in time,’ he stated.
