Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has spoken of the importance of Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag, with the duo supporting the manager in his role at Old Trafford.

McClaren and Van der Gaag followed Ten Hag to Man United this summer as assistant managers, and the duo have been heavily involved in the team's training sessions since the start of pre-season.

Van der Gaag had been with Ten Hag at Ajax, while McClaren is back at Old Trafford, having previously been assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at the club between 1999 and 2001.

Ten Hag has said that McClaren's knowledge of the club was "part of the reason" why he was approached over a move to Manchester, but the head coach was keen to stress that he has a number of other skills.

"Of course, and that is also a part of the reason I really wanted him. Of course, he has other competences and capabilities but the fact that he knows the club, I think, is a big advantage for us. Although it was a long time ago, he still knows the culture of Manchester United," Ten Hag told MUTV.

Ten Hag has also paid tribute to Van der Gaag, who started his coaching career with Maritimo back in 2008, having retired as a professional footballer in 2007.

"I think, both Steve McClaren and him, he is a coach from the moment he was born. Mitchell van der Gaag also had a lot of experience," Ten Hag added.

"First, as a player, he played many games in the highest levels in different leagues and, after that, he became coach, also in different countries, at different levels. So, he gained a lot of experience and most important for these two is they know how to win because they proved it in the past."

Ten Hag has also hailed the existing staff at Old Trafford, claiming that they have contributed a lot during his short period at the club due to their "knowledge".

"Yeah definitely, you feel, and you see that we have really dedicated staff around us, really experienced staff and they have a lot of knowledge to bring a lot," the Dutchman added.

Man United are currently in Thailand preparing for their opening pre-season friendly of the summer against English rivals Liverpool on July 12.

A busy pre-season will then see the Red Devils travel to Australia to take on Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa before returning to Europe to face Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

Man United, who finished sixth in the Premier League table last season, will then open their 2022-23 league campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be with the club in Thailand due to a personal issue, but the Red Devils continue to insist that the Portugal international is not for sale despite allegedly expressing a desire to leave.

There is only one signing on the club's pre-season tour, meanwhile, with Tyrell Malacia, thus far, the only player to arrive at Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window. body check tags ::