Steve McClaren's response to Erik ten Hag question speaks volumes as Man Utd boss fights for job

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is the subject of speculation about his future after a disappointing start to the season and his former assistant Steve McClaren has now weighed in

Erik ten Hag's former assistant Steve McClaren has admitted the Manchester United manager has been under pressure "every day" since taking the job.

Ten Hag took over at Old Trafford in 2022, with McClaren returning to the club as part of his coaching staff having previously worked with the Dutchman during his time in charge of FC Twente.

However, McClaren's second spell at United came to an end over the summer after he left to become Jamaica's new manager. And Ten Hag is now the subject of huge speculation about his future, with United failing to win any of their last four games across all competitions.

They suffered a huge 3-0 defeat to Tottenham and drew with Crystal Palace, FC Twente and Porto, leaving Ten Hag in desperate need of a win when United take on Aston Villa at Villa Park this afternoon.

When asked in an interview with Sky Sports if Ten Hag is under pressure following United's disappointing start to the season, McClaren laughed before stating: "Every day at Manchester United you're under pressure.

"I lived that with him for two years. On many, many occasions. After Brighton and Brentford [fans were] calling for his head after two games, and then [we] beat Liverpool 3-0. I remember last season, Crystal Palace 4-0, it could have been 8-0 and thinking that this is the end but [then] winning the next four games culminating in a cup final again and winning the cup.

"Erik is that kind of person who has the qualities to stick to the process. I was there at the beginning of the season when all this was going on – the recruitment, the thing with Ineos bringing in different coaches and I remember leaving there and the atmosphere was great.

"The atmosphere was great and the players they were recruiting were very good and the squad was building and developing. I thought they were bringing in good coaches with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake and I thought there was a really good positive atmosphere and I think the season started like that.

"Then they have stuttered but that is what happens in football, it happens at big clubs and Erik has proved over the last two years that we have been through this many times. Many times we used to sit in that canteen at breakfast with a cup of tea with crisis after crisis but somehow continuing to do the work, continuing the process and coming out with a win at a vital time."

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