RIO FERDINAND has tipped Steve McLaren to be an “important addition” at Manchester United as he “understands what it takes” to win.
McLaren, 61, is expected to be confirmed as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford.
And United legend Ferdinand reckons the ex-England boss will be a success once again.
McLaren has prior experience at the club – serving as No2 to Sir Alex Ferguson between 1999 and 2001.
He also already knows Ten Hag, having appointed the Dutchman as his assistant while in charge at FC Twente.
Speaking on the prospect of McLaren heading back to Old Trafford, Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube show, he said: “What you get with Steve McClaren is somebody who is a football man, loves the game, is enthusiastic, meticulous, cares about the details.
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“Not just from a football point of view but mentally. And he understands what it takes at Man United to win, that’s important.”
Ferdinand added: “I think he’ll be a good addition. What’s good with Ten Hag is that he’s already got a relationship from before. And he will be able to steer him in the right direction.”
McLaren built a good reputation for his sports psychology methods during his time at United.
The Red Devils even won the treble while McLaren was at the club in 1999.
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While Ferdinand wasn’t there at the time, he did work with McLaren during his brief spell in charge of the Three Lions.
And the defender praised McLaren for his focus on the mental side of the game before the issue was widely recognised.
Ferdinand continued: “He was always ahead of the curve.
“I liked his bravery in that (mental mindset work). Because at that time a lot of them players would have been like ‘what’s all this about, he’s never played football in his life’.
“That could have been the response but Steve McClaren was brave in bringing that element to the team and wanted us to understand that part. You look now and he was ahead of his time in that sense.”
