Sir Alex favourite to remain at Manchester United even if Ten Hag departs

Sir Alex Ferguson watches the match from the stands.

A remnant of the SAF era could remain at Manchester United even if Erik ten Hag does not REUTERS/Peter Powell

Steve McLaren is mooted to remain a part of Manchester United’s backroom staff irrespective of whether or not Erik ten Hag gets the sack at the end of the season.

Erik ten Hag’s future has always been in question ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS took charge of the footballing side of things at Manchester United.

While injuries and poor support from upper management have always been the points of apt support for the former Ajax gaffer, recent games have really not helped his case.

The 0-4 loss to Crystal Palace arguably capped off a series of games where Ten Hag has appeared directionless and incapable of making good personnel choices.

Steve McClaren set to avoid the sack at Manchester United

In the midst of this, the Mirror are reporting that regardless of whether or not Ten Hag and members of his coaching staff are retained by Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led INEOS, Steve McLaren is set to remain an integral part of Manchester United.

The report states that McLaren is close to Sir Dave Brailsford who is a key figure in calling the shots at INEOS.

It is understood that the two share a promising professional relationship and the former England coach is “regarded as someone who INEOS can continue to work with in any new managerial regime.‌”

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Of course, McLaren does not need a good relationship to build his case as his resume speaks loudly on its own. A trusted deputy of Sir Alex Ferguson during the Red Devils’ treble triumph, McLaren arguably has the ability to lead Manchester United on his own, if it comes to it.

Thus, retaining him would make a lot of sense as it would be a clever attempt to keep some of SAF’s long-lost footballing charm at the Theatre of Dreams.