Ex-Manchester United assistant boss Steve McClaren has hailed Erik ten Hag as a “wonderful tactician“, and thinks he has been unfairly judged.
McClaren returned to Manchester United in 2022 to assist Ten Hag, having previously worked with him at Twente, before leaving this summer to coach Jamaica. The 63-year-old has now lifted the lid on his time as Ten Hag’s No.2 in an interview with The Telegraph, revealing Ten Hag left veteran midfielder Casemiro stunned by his tactical knowledge.
The ex-England and Middlesbrough boss said: “Casemiro couldn’t believe the detail and the tactical knowledge that he [Ten Hag] had. He [Casemiro] thought he had seen it all at Real Madrid. That’s what I valued in that first year at Twente. Erik helped me bed into the club.
“Erik’s a wonderful tactician. He can see things happening on the field that others can’t. Every one of those players will say they have learned so much. Don’t get me wrong, there has been a thousand meetings but they have learned from him. And so have I.”
Ten Hag has faced a lot of criticism for failing to elevate Manchester United to title competitors in the Premier League. But these words from McClaren will be a welcome boost for the Dutchman, who is expected to deliver after forking out again in the summer transfer window, on the back of being handed a new two-year contract.
The Red Devils get their Europa League campaign underway against FC Twente on Wednesday night in what will be a blast from the past for Ten Hag. They will then host Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
