Steve McClaren Linked with Nigeria National Team Job Amid Manchester United Backroom Changes
Manchester United coach Steve McClaren is reportedly in contention for the Nigeria national team managerial position following a reshuffle in the coaching staff at Old Trafford.
What Happened?
Steve McClaren, who has been part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team at Manchester United for the past two years, is now being considered for the vacant Nigeria manager role. This follows the departure of Finidi George from the Super Eagles’ coaching position last month.
The Bigger Picture
Reports from Nigeria indicate that McClaren is on a shortlist of three candidates to succeed Finidi George. The other contenders reportedly include Frenchman Herve Renard and Belgian Tom Saintfiet. The Nigeria Football Federation is keen to appoint a new manager before their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begin in September.
Background
McClaren, who previously managed the England national team during a turbulent 16-month period from 2006 to 2007, has experience in international football. His potential move to Nigeria comes shortly after Manchester United announced new assistant managers Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy to support Erik ten Hag.
What’s Next?
Nigeria’s upcoming match in the AFCON qualifiers against Benin on September 2 looms large, prompting urgency in the selection of their new head coach. McClaren’s decision whether to accept the Nigeria job or continue at Manchester United will likely be influenced by the timing of these international fixtures and United’s Premier League season opener against Fulham on August 16.
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