Manchester United’s legendary midfielder Paul Scholes floated the idea of Steve McClaren replacing Erik ten Hag on an interim basis before the end-of-season review was concluded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In a piece looking back at the saga surrounding the United manager, The Athletic claimed the 49-year-old had suggested that the Reds’ assistant could come in if the Dutchman was to leave.
This course of action was not taken though as INEOS decided on Tuesday night that they would be sticking with Ten Hag for the remainder of the campaign and MEN Sport understands talks are already beginning over a new contract.
Scholes spoke highly of McClaren following the 4-0 drumming by Crystal Palace in May. He told Premier League Productions: “He’s [McClaren] not touching that team. The manager must not be letting him touch that team.
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“Sometimes we played against better teams. Steve McClaren put sessions on to make sure you stopped other teams, getting the distances right, getting the angles right.
“Especially all across the midfield. He has no impression on [the current] team. He’s the best coach I ever had.”
Reacting to the news that United are sticking with their boss, Scholes praised the decision. Posting on his Instagram story, he wrote: “Nice to wake up to this news although I did think Palace away [a 4-0 defeat] felt like the end… Major improvements are needed but at least we have a bit of continuity and don’t have to wait for a new regime to settle in.
“Fans have given him and the players incredible support and deserve better next season.”