Steve McClaren

McClaren reacts to United return

Friday 29 July 2022 14:00

Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren has revealed his excitement at returning to the club after two decades away.

McClaren was Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager between 1999 and 2001, winning the Treble during his first campaign with United.

Steve left to manage Middlesbrough following a third consecutive Premier League title success in 2001 and has since taken charge of England, FC Twente, Wolfsburg and Derby County, among others.

The 61-year-old joined Erik ten Hag’s backroom team at Old Trafford when the Dutchman took over in May and has admitted that his love for the club is something that never left during his time away.

McClaren: The players are great to work with Video

McClaren: The players are great to work with

Assistant coach Steve McClaren provides an insight into the dressing room at Old Trafford…

“It’s a club that’s always been in my heart and I think that, once you work for Manchester United in any capacity, that always stays in your blood,” Steve told club media in Australia, during his first sit-down interview since rejoining.

“It has done since the first time I arrived here.

“It’s stayed and I’m so excited to be able to come back and help in whichever way I can to help this club get back to winning trophies.”

Of course, top-flight football has changed dramatically since McClaren’s first spell at United, although the interest in the Reds never wanes.

Steve experienced that during the recent pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, when the streets outside of hotels and stadiums were packed with United fans welcoming the team.

“Yeah, [there are] some familiar [faces], some new ones. Always, at football clubs, things change,” McClaren added.

“Manchester United has changed a lot but the support around the world – as we [saw] on tour – has been phenomenal. That will grow and continue to grow.

“I think it was 20[-odd] years ago, I was in Australia on a tour and look how much it’s grown since then.”

This weekend's Spanish double-header, against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, will be shown live on the United App, MUTV and ManUtd.com.

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