Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to keep Steve McClaren at Man United even if Erik ten Hag is sacked | OneFootball

Manchester United coach Steve McClaren is reportedly set to be retained at the club even if Erik ten Hag were to be sacked at the end of the season.

Pressure on Ten Hag is now more intense than ever after United’s devastating 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace earlier this week.

On yet another occasion, United were thoroughly outplayed and dominated in almost every aspect of play by perceived inferior opponents.

It doesn’t get easier for the Red Devils, who face Arsenal next before clashes against Newcastle and then Brighton on the final day of the season. There is then the small matter of an FA Cup final against Manchester City later this month.

It’s a very realistic prospect that United could end the campaign without any win to their name, considering the poor form they’re currently in.

It has been repeatedly stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will defer a final decision on whether or not to keep Ten Hag until the end of the season, with the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford hanging in the balance.

However, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that if things get really bad, the 54-year-old coach would be immediately sacked even before the campaign concludes and his assistant, McClaren, appointed interim boss.

Ex-United forward Michael Owen spoke after the final whistle at Selhurst Park and insisted that McClaren – who is a “top operator” that’s naturally inclined to play positive and attacking football – has no input on the team and is just a bystander.

McClaren himself spoke to the media and admitted that over the last two years under Ten Hag, United have at times fallen firmly below the standards expected of the club.

According to The Mirror, the 63-year-old has earned the admiration of the top brass and will likely be kept for a bit longer, even if Ten Hag is relieved of his duties.

The newspaper reveals, “Steve McClaren is set to escape the Manchester United cull that is expected to claim Erik ten Hag and the rest of his backroom staff at the end of the season.”

“‌The former England coach, who was brought back to Old Trafford when Ten Hag became United boss in the summer of 2022, has a long-standing professional relationship with INEOS chief Dave Brailsford.‌”

“Brailsford will play a key role in the decision on whether new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to allow Ten Hag to complete the final year of his contract in the summer after a calamitous campaign at Old Trafford.”

Simon Mullock points out, “The Dutchman’s extensive coaching staff would also pay the price for failure – but McClaren is regarded as someone who INEOS can continue to work with in any new managerial regime.‌”

It’s believed that McClaren and Brailsford grew close when the former invited the cycling chief when he was in charge of Derby to give a talk on his marginal gains philosophy.

Apparently, the two agreed on most things and have been friends since.

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