Erik ten Hag: Expert swipes at Man United after manager hunt latest – ‘massive step backwards’
Steve McClaren should not be part of Erik ten Hag’s potential Man United backroom staff as “football has evolved”, according to Paul Robinson.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted bringing the former Red Devils coach back to the club would be a “massive step backwards”.
According to The Guardian (5 April), McClaren is “under consideration” for a Man United return as Ten Hag’s number two – should the Ajax boss be appointed.
The report claims the Dutchman held talks with the Old Trafford club last month about succeeding Ralf Rangnick.
Ten Hag and McClaren worked together at FC Twente between 2008 and 2010.
Robinson, who was managed by the former England boss between 2006 and 2007, claimed appointing the 60-year-old would not be a “good fit”.
“I think that would be just bringing in the Manchester United old guard again,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“We’ve already had that with Mike Phelan. I just don’t see it as a good fit.
“The game has changed and the game has moved on.
“Steve McClaren was a fantastic coach and an organiser, but it just seems like a massive step backwards.
“Football has evolved and changed from when he was last in the game. I don’t think Man United holding on to the past is going to help them.
“He had a fantastic time at the club, but they need a complete clear-out and they need something new.”
McClaren was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during a trophy-laden spell between 1999 and 2001.
Man United sit seventh in the Premier League – three points adrift of the top four with eight games remaining.
In other news, medical expert “worried” by Man United news on “horrific” Luke Shaw injury.