Jaap Stam open to Manchester United return to work alongside Erik ten Hag
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam says he would be open to a return to Old Trafford to potentially work alongside Erik ten Hag.
The 49-year-old made 127 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson and was a crucial part of the 1999 side that won the treble.
The Dutchman, who has managed at Reading, PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord, has been out of work since leaving FC Cincinnati in September.
He’s currently on the hunt for his next role and amid talk of his compatriot Ten Hag, reportedly taking charge at Old Trafford, Stam has admitted he would be open to returning to the Theatre of Dreams.
HITC's New Kid On The Block - ERIC TV
The Telegraph report United aim to make a formal announcement this week, although Ten Hag will complete the season at Ajax.
“I’m basically open to any role at Manchester United,” Stam told Voetbal Primeur.
“I have worked and lived there with great pleasure and owe a lot to the club.
“If I can help Manchester United in any way, then I’m open to that, provided it’s in a role that suits me.”
Ten Hag reportedly wants to hire an assistant with experience at United, with a Dutch connection.
The Guardian report this could be Steve McClaren, while Rene Meulensteen has been suggested by ESPN as a possible alternative.
Stam has gone up against Ten Hag twice as a manager and on both occasions he was on the receiving end of a defeat.
In March 2019, his PEC Zwolle side lost 2-1 at the Amsterdam Arena, but seven months later when Stam was in charge of Feyenoord, his side were battered 4-0 by their fierce rivals.
Having Stam’s no-nonsense approach with him at Old Trafford could be perfect for Ten Hag to lean on.
Stam will have a great insight into how the club is run and the standards that are expected to be set at the biggest club in the world.
