McClaren praises Ten Hag: 'He handled Ronaldo, and rightly so'

Steve McClaren, who served as Erik ten Hag’s mentor during their time at FC Twente, has opened up about his experiences with the Dutchman in an extensive interview with The Telegraph.

McClaren’s reflections come ahead of a significant match between Manchester United and FC Twente, two clubs where both he and Ten Hag have left their mark. McClaren, now coaching the Jamaican national team, shared his thoughts on Ten Hag’s journey, their partnership, and the challenges the Manchester United manager is currently facing.

Ten Hag’s coaching career took a pivotal turn when he served as McClaren’s assistant between 2008 and 2010 at Twente, a period that would shape his future managerial approach. McClaren praised Ten Hag’s strict but effective leadership style, a quality that has defined his tenure at Manchester United. "It’s incredible that these two teams are meeting. For Erik, for Twente, and for United," McClaren said. He also expressed his unwavering support for Ten Hag, noting, "I have nothing bad to say about how Erik is doing at United. I said right away that he was the right man."

One of the most high-profile moments in Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was his handling of the Cristiano Ronaldo situation. Ronaldo, one of football’s biggest stars, was not used to being benched or criticized, but Ten Hag’s decision to drop him and later allow his exit became a defining moment in his reign. McClaren reflected on this moment as a testament to Ten Hag's unwavering principles. "That was evident in how he dealt with Cristiano Ronaldo. Ten Hag had his own rules. Very rigid, as the Dutch often are, and he wasn’t flexible about that. You had to run, or you wouldn’t play. He handled Ronaldo, and rightly so!" McClaren remarked. The former England manager highlighted that Ten Hag’s ability to enforce discipline and maintain control was critical, even when managing a player of Ronaldo’s stature.

Despite Ten Hag’s accomplishments in his first season, including qualifying for the Champions League and winning the League Cup, the Dutch manager has faced significant criticism in England, particularly in his second season. Manchester United’s campaign has been marred by a string of injuries, and the team’s form has been inconsistent, leading to mounting pressure from both the media and fans. However, McClaren was quick to defend his former assistant, attributing much of the team’s struggles to circumstances beyond Ten Hag’s control.

"In the first year, we qualified for the Champions League and won the League Cup. That’s a fantastic achievement when you consider where we came from," McClaren said, emphasizing how far United had progressed under Ten Hag’s leadership. He also pointed to the injury crisis that hit the squad in the second year, which severely impacted United’s performances. "In the second year, well, all those injuries. There were just too many," McClaren explained, noting how difficult it is to maintain consistency with key players sidelined.

Beyond the immediate challenges on the pitch, McClaren expressed optimism about Manchester United’s future under Ten Hag, especially with new backing from INEOS, which recently became a significant stakeholder at the club. "Many people don’t understand how tough the job is, though I’m more optimistic now that INEOS is in charge. They support Ten Hag. If they stick with that, things will go well for United," McClaren said. His comments reflect a belief that, with the right support from the club's ownership, Ten Hag has the tools and mindset to lead United back to the top of English and European football.

The interview offers a rare glimpse into the deep respect and admiration McClaren holds for Ten Hag. Their professional journey, from Twente to Old Trafford, highlights the lasting influence they’ve had on each other. As the Manchester United manager continues to face the pressures of leading one of the world’s most famous clubs, it’s clear that those who have worked closely with him, like McClaren, believe he has the determination and tactical acumen to succeed if given time and support.