Erik ten Hag reacts to Steve McClaren leaving Manchester United for Jamaica job

Erik ten Hag has thanked Steve McClaren for his ‘tremendous service’ after the coach left Manchester United to take over of the Jamaica men’s national team.

McClaren worked under Ten Hag for two years, having also served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford over two decades ago.

The 63-year-old decided to leave his position after being approached by Jamaica, where he has ties having worked as a technical adviser for FIFA.

‘I want to thank Steve for his tremendous service over the past two years,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘He has been an invaluable source of support and advice to me since I arrived in English football, helping us achieve two trophies while laying down foundations for further success.

‘Steve and I have been friends for 16 years since we first worked together at FC Twente and that relationship will continue as he embarks on this next challenge, as will his bond with Manchester United.

‘All of us at the club wish Steve the best of luck in his new role.’

Manchester United say McClaren will continue to oversee the return of international players to pre-season training at Carrington in the coming days before departing next week.

McClaren said: ‘I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone at Manchester United for their friendship, help and support during the past two years.

‘I am delighted to have played my part in helping Erik deliver two trophies to the club and for my final game to have been our FA Cup victory over Manchester City, there can be no better note on which to end.

‘I have no doubt the foundations that are in place at Manchester United will see the club challenging again soon for all the major trophies.’

On his decision to take the Jamaica job, McClaren added: ‘I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.

‘I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed [while working with Jamaica at FIFA].

‘In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead.’