After Steve McClaren departed Manchester United to take charge of the Jamaica men’s national team, Erik ten Hag commended the coach for his “tremendous service.”
McClaren, who previously assisted Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford more than 20 years ago, worked for Ten Hag for two years.
After being contacted by Jamaica, where he had connections from his time spent serving as a technical consultant for FIFA, the 63-year-old made the decision to resign from his post.
He said to the official club website, “I want to thank Steve for his tremendous service over the past two years.”
‘He has been an invaluable source of support and advice to me since I arrived in English football, helping us achieve two trophies while laying down foundations for further success.
‘Steve and I have been friends for 16 years since we first worked together at FC Twente and that relationship will continue as he embarks on this next challenge, as will his bond with Manchester United.
‘All of us at the club wish Steve the best of luck in his new role.’
Before leaving next week, McClaren, according to Manchester United, will continue to supervise the return of international players to Carrington for preseason training in the coming days.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the Manchester United team for their friendship, assistance, and support over the last two years,” McClaren stated.
“There cannot be a better note on which to end than our FA Cup victory over Manchester City. I am thrilled to have contributed to Erik’s delivery of two trophies to the club.”
‘I have no doubt the foundations that are in place at Manchester United will see the club challenging again soon for all the major trophies.’
On his decision to take the Jamaica job, McClaren added: ‘I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.
‘I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed [while working with Jamaica at FIFA].
‘In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead.’