Manchester United confirm two departures and two key arrivals as part of coaching reshuffle

Manchester United have confirmed a major shake up of their coaching staff ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The appointments of Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been widely reported for weeks, and it was finally announced on Thursday afternoon that the pair will join Ten Hag’s team. It means Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club, with the latter’s contract expiring at the end of June. United have also confirmed that Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher will remain part of the first-team coaching group.

“I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff,” Ten Hag said when the news was announced. “Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”

On the outgoing staff, Ten Hag added: “Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contribution. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

The pair joined United with Ten Hag when he was first appointed manager in 2022, but it was felt a shake up was needed within United’s coaching set-up this summer after a disappointing 2023/24 season. Ten Hag selected Hake and Van Nistelrooy, with goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar also expected to join this summer.

Van Nistelrooy’s return will be a particularly popular appointment with United fans given he enjoyed an excellent spell as a player at Old Trafford 150 goals in 219 appearances. As for Hake, he joins from Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles.

“Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that,” said sporting director Dan Ashworth.

“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.”

It continues a busy summer of change at United with Omar Berrada set to start his role as CEO this weekend, Dan Ashworth joining as the club’s new sporting director and Christopher Vivell arriving as director of recruitment. It’s also been reported by the Daily Mail that Richard Merron and John Davin are set to leave the medical department, while Toby Craig has also been appointed as United’s new chief communications officer