Club legend admits he’d take coaching role at Man Utd ‘straight away’

Man Utd legend Jaap Stam has admitted that he would take a coaching role at the Red Devils “straight away without a doubt” if he was asked.

The iconic defender spent three years as a player at Man Utd between 1998 and 2001. He helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side win the treble in 1998/99.

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The 49-year-old retired in 2007 and in recent years he has managed the likes of Reading and Feyenoord.

Stam was sacked by MLS side FC Cincinnati last September after 47 games in charge.

Man Utd are currently searching for a new permanent boss. Erik ten Hag is one of the managers they are looking at. 

Stam has now suggested that he “would be tempted” to return to Man Utd as a coach:

“If they would ask me (to take a coaching/managerial role), I would do it straight away without a doubt,” Stam said (quotes via Manchester Evening News).

“You know United is my life as well. I’ve had great seasons over there, won trophies and it’s been very important for me. In any way, if I could help them out, I would be tempted to do it.

“I know they are probably not going to come and call me, but also in a different role, and that counts, I think, for every player who has played for United. I think everyone is very eager to help the club and hopefully, bring them to the absolute top level.

“Like I said, you never know, that would be interesting. It’s all about owners, it’s all about technical directors, it’s all about coaches that step in, who do they want as assistant coaches. That’s how it goes.”

Meanwhile, Dirk Kuyt thinks Ten Hag is capable of doing a “great job” at Man Utd:

“Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He’s done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich’s second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax,” Kuyt told Goal.

“He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch.

“I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera, but you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.

“His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.”