Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was reportedly involved in a behind-the-scenes dispute with a first-team coach last season, according to Mick Brown, the club’s former chief scout.
Brown, who spent over a decade at United and served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager, revealed that the relationships among the backroom staff were “not very good” during that time.
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Erik ten Hag secured a new contract in the summer following Manchester United’s FA Cup victory against Manchester City.
The board also provided substantial financial backing in the transfer window.
Despite these advantages, he is under increasing pressure due to the team’s lackluster performance, with only three wins in their opening nine games across all competitions this season.
In an exclusive discussion with Football Insider, Brown, who maintains strong connections at the club, explained that tensions among staff had been escalating behind closed doors.
Erik ten Hag bust-up with former coach
Steve McClaren served as Ten Hag’s assistant manager at Old Trafford from 2022 until the summer of 2024, after which Ruud van Nistelrooy took over the role.
Brown noted that following McClaren’s departure and his subsequent appointment as the Jamaica national team boss, there were murmurs in the camp of a falling-out with Ten Hag.
The swift nature of McClaren’s exit and the absence of an official explanation have raised questions about the underlying reasons.
“I understand that relationships between the staff last year weren’t very good,” he told the outlet.
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“He worked under Steve McClaren in Holland, then they came here and McClaren worked under him.
“So Steve’s now gone, he disappeared very quickly and that all went quiet.
“Fortunately for him, he’s got another job with Jamaica.
“But it all went quiet and there have been suggestions, from what I’m told by people who know, there was a major difference between the two of them behind-the-scenes.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s arrival as assistant manager brings a familiar face back to the club.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy has come in now. I was instrumental in signing Ruud and I know him, he’s a top-class person, but he can only do what the manager instructs him to do,” Brown added.
These revelations shed light on potential internal conflicts that may be affecting Manchester United’s performance on the pitch.
As Erik ten Hag works to steer the team back on course, the dynamics within the coaching staff could play a crucial role in the club’s success this season.
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