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There is a real possibility that Manchester United will part ways with Erik ten Hag’s assistant Mitchell van der Gaag this summer as the club closes in on the respective appointments of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
Van Nistelrooy is reportedly just one step away from sealing a sensational United return, this time in a coaching capacity.
The United legend is believed to be very tempted by the prospect of joining Ten Hag’s backroom staff and is even prepared to turn down the chance to become Burnley’s next manager.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday, Fabrizio Romano revealed that United are keen on also bringing in Rene Hake to Old Trafford.
Hake is currently the head coach of Eredivisie club Go Ahead Eagles.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Sir Dave Brailsford wanted to institute a coaching reshuffle at United, following an extremely poor and disappointing 2023/24 season.
More specifically, it was stated that Brailsford was eager to get rid of Van der Gaag and replace him with someone else.
The Athletic have now given an update on this and have indicated that an exit for Van der Gaag in the coming weeks is indeed on the cards.
“Discussions have been taking place about Ten Hag refreshing his team and progress is being made on appointing Van Nistelrooy and Hake as assistant managers. Their arrival, if confirmed, would lead to the prospect of Mitchell van der Gaag departing.”
“Ten Hag has been weighing up a reshuffle of coaching duties after a turbulent season and it is felt Van der Gaag may see now as the right time to step away. He has ambitions to be a No 1 again, having managed in Portugal and Holland previously.”
“Ten Hag and Van der Gaag retain a strong relationship but the new INEOS football structure provides an opportunity for a shake-up.”
The newspaper adds, “Van der Gaag has been pivotal to United’s coaching programme, so his work would need replacing. Van Nistelrooy and Hake, as two managers in their own rights, could provide this.”
According to Laurie Whitwell, the arrivals of Van Nistelrooy and Hake would almost certainly translate into the recalibration of Steve McClaren’s exact role with the club.
The Red Devils would also need to provide clarity on Benni McCarthy, whose contract expires at the end of the current month.
Van der Gaag joined United alongside Ten Hag in the summer of 2022.
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