'I have never seen anything like what Man Utd did before I left the club this year'

Man Utd's coaches celebrate the FA Cup win. (Image: Getty)

Steve McClaren has revealed he has "never seen anything like" the late-season turnaround before his Manchester United departure earlier this year.

McClaren, now manager of Jamaica, has opened up on different aspects of his two years alongside Erik ten Hag after returning to Old Trafford in 2022.

The first season of Ten Hag's reign was an undeniable success, ending a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League with a third-place Premier League finish.

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But the second was disastrous and would've almost certainly resulted in the Dutchman joining McClaren out the exit door if it wasn't for a stunning last-gasp reversal of fortunes.

United endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign by slumping to eighth and finished rock bottom of their Champions League group after winning just one of their six games.

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Ten Hag appeared resigned to his fate during a 4-0 humiliation at Crystal Palace at the start of May. A defeat to title-chasing Arsenal at Old Trafford followed.

However, a surprise tactical tweak - using Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes as the two most advanced positions in a 4-2-2-2 formation - helped United win their final two league games.

Steve McClaren left Man Utd in the summer. (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

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And then came the FA Cup final, a 2-1 triumph against Manchester City, in which Ten Hag's game plan worked to perfection. That torrid evening at Palace was a distant memory.

McClaren has addressed the incredible season climax, suggesting that glory at Wembley was just as much a surprise internally as it was externally.

"We were nearly walking home from Crystal Palace … people realise we have got to win the next game. It was such a bad time after that Palace game," McClaren told the Telegraph.

"Erik, the staff, the players, how we turned it around to beating City [and winning the final two Premier League games] … in many years in football I have never seen anything like it."

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McClaren's switch to the Jamaica post came out of nowhere, making him a part of ruthless changes overseen by INEOS over the past several months.

And the 63-year-old has backed Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United's new-look hierarchy to support Ten Hag in restoring the club to greatness.

He added: "I have got to say with INEOS, I see a great future for Manchester United.

"I think they are behind him [Ten Hag] and if they continue like that and stick together United will succeed."



'I have never seen anything like what Man Utd did before I left the club this year'

'I have never seen anything like what Man Utd did before I left the club this year'

'I have never seen anything like what Man Utd did before I left the club this year'

'I have never seen anything like what Man Utd did before I left the club this year'
'I have never seen anything like what Man Utd did before I left the club this year'
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