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Manchester United’s Coaching Conundrum: McClaren Stays Amidst Ten Hag Turmoil

Manchester United’s once steady ship is now facing stormy waters, with the latest reports suggesting a significant upheaval could be on the horizon. However, amidst this turbulence, Steve McClaren appears to be the singular figure retaining his footing. According to The Mirror, McClaren is poised to remain with the club even as the winds of change threaten to sweep away Erik ten Hag and his cadre of assistants by season’s end.

McClaren’s Staying Power

The resilience of Steve McClaren in the tumultuous environment at Old Trafford isn’t merely a stroke of luck. His deep-rooted professional connections, particularly with INEOS chief Dave Brailsford, seem to be playing a pivotal role. Brailsford, who will have a significant say in the future structuring of United’s coaching staff, values McClaren’s expertise and approach, suggesting a trust and respect that transcend the current crisis at United.

This relationship isn’t new. McClaren’s interaction with Brailsford stretches back to his days at Derby when he introduced the cycling expert to share his philosophy of marginal gains with the football squad. Their shared vision on sports science and athlete development clearly left a mark, one that continues to resonate with the decision-makers at United today.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Steve McClaren’s coaching pedigree is well-documented, and his methodologies are highly regarded. His tenure as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant saw him contribute to United’s historic treble in 1999, underscoring his capability to operate at the pinnacle of football management. His approach to coaching, which includes a significant emphasis on sports science and psychology, has been influential.

Moreover, McClaren’s previous collaboration with Ten Hag at FC Twente highlights his adaptability and understanding of different footballing philosophies, reinforcing why he might be seen as indispensable in a time of potential transition.

Addressing the Criticism

Despite the current team’s struggles, former United forward Michael Owen has vehemently defended McClaren, suggesting that the team’s poor performances cannot be laid at his feet. Owen’s comments underline a critical perspective within footballing circles: “We’ve played under Steve McClaren. There’s no way his fingerprints are anywhere near that team,” Owen stated, asserting, “He is a brilliant coach and that team is not being coached at all. No way.”

These remarks highlight a sentiment that McClaren, despite his proximity to the failing team, is not the one steering their current course. Instead, he’s portrayed as potentially sidelined, an experienced strategist watching as lesser hands mishandle the tiller.

Looking Ahead

As United navigates through these challenging times, the decision to retain McClaren could signify a desire to maintain a thread of continuity and experience within the coaching staff. Whether this will stabilize the club or simply delay inevitable changes remains to be seen. What’s clear is that McClaren’s role at Manchester United is still deemed vital by key influencers within the club, possibly paving the way for a future rebuild under his experienced guidance.