Neville makes Guardiola comparison as he insists Ten Hag ‘will need’ McClaren at Man Utd

Lewis Oldham
Neville talks about McClaren

Gary Neville has argued that Steve McClaren’s experience in England will be important to new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

It has been confirmed that Ten Hag is Ralf Rangnick’s successor at Man Utd. He leaves Ajax to move to the Premier League.

It has also been announced that McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag will be his assistants.


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McClaren and Ten Hag previously worked together during their time at FC Twente.

Former England manager McClaren also had a spell at United as assistant manager between 1999 and 2001.

The 61-year-old has most recently been the technical director at Derby County.

Neville thinks McClaren is a wise appointment as he comes with “vast experience”:

“I think Ten Hag comes as a successful coach, a coach that’s won, a coach that’s got belief and knows how to build an idea,” Neville said (via United’s official website).

“I think he does need someone alongside him on the side of the pitch that can tell him about different stadiums, referees, different things that happen culturally in England around matches.

“Steve McClaren’s got vast experience, not just at Manchester United but obviously in English football.”

Neville went onto compare McClaren’s job to the one Brian Kidd had at Man City under Pep Guardiola:

“I see Steve’s role, to be fair, as more akin to what Brian Kidd did with Pep Guardiola for many years,” Neville added.

“I’ve done quite a lot of City games over the years [for television] and just that little voice that says ‘look Pep, you’re at this ground today, this is what it’s like’ and it’s just that type of advice that ultimately the new manager will need.

“[Erik]’s got Darren Fletcher there as well and there are other people at the club who have experience as well but it does seem like a new beginning, there is a lot of turnover of people, people leaving, a new start.

“I think, off the back of the last 12 months, it’s imperative that happens.”