Man Utd ‘reach agreement’ for Erik ten Hag’s first backroom staff appointment

Manchester United have ‘reached an agreement’ to hire Mitchell van der Gaag as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff next season, according to reports.

The Dutchman has worked as Ten Hag’s assistant manager at Ajax this season, helping the club secure their second consecutive Eredivisie title on Wednesday.

United announced last month that Ten Hag will be their new permanent manager this summer, replacing interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

The former has signed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, with an option for a further year and is now looking to bring those he has worked with to the Red Devils next season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag will link up with Van Der Gaag at United after an agreement between the club as Ajax no.2 has been agreed.

The Italian journalist tweeted: “Mitchell van der Gaag has reached full agreement to join Manchester United coaching staff with Erik ten Hag, it’s just [a] matter of time to finalise the contract.”

Another ex-colleague of Ten Hag has also been rumoured to be joining him at Old Trafford, with Romano claiming Steve McClaren, who worked with the Dutchman at FC Twente, is likely to join his coaching staff ‘in the coming weeks’.

Romano added: “Steve McClaren has also chances to join ten Hag staff in the coming weeks, as expected.”

McClaren is no stranger to the Red Devils having worked as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant between 1999 and 2001.

During his time at Old Trafford, he helped Ferguson guide United to a legendary treble in his first half-season, while also winning the Premier League title the following two campaigns.

McClaren’s last role in football came in 2020 when he was appointed technical director of Derby County - a club he once managed.

His second spell at Pride Park lasted just 10 months before stepping down due to the Rams being entered into administration.