Former Premier League manager backs Ten Hag to succeed at Old Trafford

Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has backed Erik ten Hag to gain a ‘vital’ win against Aston Villa to ease pressure on his job. 

Erik ten Hag is in much need of a huge win against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday after speculation is rife that he may lose his job if the Red Devils suffer another heavy defeat.

It has been a hugely disappointing start to the season with the Red Devils currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and only secured a single point in their opening two Europa League fixtures.

Despite the mounting pressure on the former Ajax manager, Steve McClaren believes Ten Hag has proved he can overcome the current form.

Steve McClaren backs Erik ten Hag to prove his quality in a crisis

McClaren returned to Old Trafford in 2023 when Erik ten Hag took charge as Manchester United manager.

The pair had previously worked together at FC Twente and continued their good relationship in Manchester.

This summer McClaren left his role as a member of Ten Hag’s coaching staff to become Jamaica’s head coach.

The former United coach believes the Dutch coach is capable of overcoming this crisis and believes that he has the right qualities to deal with the pressure.

Speaking on Sky Sports McClaren said: “Erik [ten Hag] is that kind of person, he has the qualities to stick to the process. 

“I was there at the beginning of the season when all this was going on with the recruitment, and the thing with INEOS bringing in different coaches. 

“I remember leaving there and the atmosphere was great. The players they were recruiting were very good and the squad was building and developing. 

“I thought bringing in good coaches in Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, I thought, yeah it was a really positive atmosphere. 

“Erik’s proved over the last two years we’ve been this many times. 

“Many times we used to sit in the canteen at breakfast with a cup of tea and it was crisis after crisis, but somehow continuing to do the work, continuing the process and coming out with a win at a vital time. 

“There’s no better time for a vital win than going to Aston Villa because I think it was a similar situation last year.”