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Jaap Stam’s name was in the headlines yesterday when it was reported that the former Netherlands and Manchester United central defender was in talks to return to the club.
Stam has been involved in management and coaching since retiring from football in 2007. His post-playing career has involved management roles at the likes of Feyenoord, FC Cincinnati and Reading.
With an obvious Dutch connection with current United manager Erik ten Hag as well as his former time in Manchester, the links back to Old Trafford did not seem too far fetched.
It seems that the news has spread fast and Stam has commented on the reports himself.
United legend Jaap Stam has now denied the rumours of a return to the club in an interview with Mail Sport.
”We’re not in talks, I haven’t heard anything about it.
“Because I’m over here [in the United States]… so I haven’t had any contact with people or whatever,” said Stam.
However, Stam did not rule out the proposition completely.
”If they want me to help them in any way as well, then I’m always ready to do so.”
The Dutchman spent three seasons at the club, between 1998 and 2001. He won the English Premier League three times, while also playing a key part in the infamous treble winning side of 1998/99.
He was controversially sold to Lazio in 2001 for £16m. Sir Alex Ferguson has famously called the decision to part ways with the then 29-year-old defender as one of his biggest mistakes in football manager.
Stam’s most recently appointment was to coach amateur Dutch side DOS Kampen.
In the interview with the Mail, he has backed Erik ten Hag and the job he is doing at the club.
”If you’re talking about tactics, about how to play football, and what he wants, I think ten Hag is a good manager. And he knows what to do,” said the legendary defender.
It will be intriguing to see if Erik ten Hag is given another season in the top job at Old Trafford, and whether Stam will indeed join him as a part of his coaching staff.
