According to leading sports media outlet The Athletic (TA), Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth played a crucial role in facilitating the smooth departure of former England manager Steve McClaren from the club and his acceptance of a new position as head coach of the Jamaican national team. The change marks McClaren's first return to an international football managerial position since he was sacked by England in 2007.
McClaren, 63, has been providing invaluable experience and support to the team since the summer of 2022 as a member of United manager Erik Ten Hagar's coaching team. However, with Ten Hagar's decision to reorganize his coaching staff, McClaren's role has changed. He did not travel with the team to the United States during United's pre-season tour, choosing instead to stay in Manchester and focus on working with players who had just returned from international tournaments such as Euro 2024 and Copa America.
In the face of this change, McLaren demonstrated an open and positive attitude. After in-depth negotiations with the Jamaican national team, he resolutely decided to accept this new challenge and become the new head coach of Jamaica. This decision is not only an important breakthrough in his career, but also a reaffirmation of his coaching ability and influence in international soccer.
According to TA, United's sporting director Dan Ashworth has been fully supportive and assisted in the process of McClaren's departure. He is well aware of McClaren's contribution to United and his stature in international football, and has therefore worked hard to ensure that this transition process goes smoothly. Ashworthy's efforts not only demonstrated United's respect and support for the coaching team, but also showed the club's professionalism and human touch in dealing with staff changes.
