Steve McClaren Linked with Shock Return to International Management Amid Manchester United Exit Rumors
Published 18:31 16 Jul 2024 GMT+1
Steve McClaren, currently part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Manchester United, has been linked with a shock return to international management amid reports he could leave Old Trafford this summer.
According to multiple reports, McClaren is on a three-man shortlist to replace Finidi George as Nigeria manager. George, formerly of Ipswich Town, was relieved of his duties last month as Nigeria aims to appoint a new manager before they resume their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign in September.
McClaren, 63, has held talks with Nigeria Football Federation officials, and while he has never worked in Africa before, his stellar resume at club level exceeds those of other candidates. The Englishman boasts the likes of Manchester United, Middlesbrough, and Nottingham Forest on his extensive CV, and is prepared to take a pay cut to return to international management.
The report claims NFF chiefs are believed to have expressed concerns that McClaren has never worked in Africa before. However, his experience and achievements at club level could make him an attractive candidate for the role.
Former Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia gaffer Herve Renard and Tom Saintfiet, who has managed the likes of Togo, Bangladesh, and Philippines, are among the other candidates to succeed George. Renard won AFCON titles with both Zambia and Ivory Coast and is currently in charge of the France women’s team.
The news comes as McClaren’s future at Manchester United is under scrutiny, with reports suggesting he could leave the club this summer. The appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as assistant managers of the first team has raised questions over McClaren’s role at Old Trafford.
While McClaren’s experience in Africa is limited, his achievements at club level are undeniable. The question is, will he be the right man for the job in Nigeria?
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