Man United boss Steve McClaren has brilliant plan to rebuild ‘winning culture’ at Old Trafford
Former No. 2 of Sir Alex Ferguson, Steve McClaren is back Manchester United for his second time as assistant coach, and he sent a powerful message to the group of players responsible for the club’s worst ever game. Premier League and supporters suffered while watching it.
McClaren returns to Old Trafford as part of coaching staff assembled by new manager Erk ten Hag, who was appointed in May to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick. Rangnick takes over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December 2021 and has won just 11 of the 29 games he has managed as his side clinched sixth in the Premier League, close to the relegation zone (23 points). ) than last. champion City of Manchester (35 points). The Red Devils were also eliminated from the third round of the Carabao Cup, the fourth round of the FA Cup and the round of 16 of the Champions League.
They have since turned to former Ajax coach Ten Hag in the hope that a new face with fresh ideas will help bring the club from its doldrums and back on a winning path. The Dutchman will also be able to draw on the wisdom and experience of McClaren, who was United’s youth coach when they won the Treble in 1998-99.
Returning to the club almost a quarter of a century later, the 61-year-old outlined exactly what he thinks it takes to build a culture of success in a team when speaking on the latest episode of “McClaren’s Performance“podcast, hosted by his son, Josh.
Divide his approach into three main areas, the former England The manager details exactly what conditions he believes are required to start creating harmony in a group of players from which a winning mentality can develop.
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1. Safe space
Encourage players to experiment freely while allowing them the time and space to make, admit, and discuss their mistakes without fear of being reprimanded.
“Many times [in the past] we sat in team meetings and had control over the players, went around criticizing everyone and then the manager asked: ‘right, anything to say?’ Of course there was no response. It’s not a safe environment where players can speak up. “
Of course, anyone who has followed United throughout the 2021-22 season will know that there is indeed richness in making mistakes that need to be discussed honestly. General standard of defense in a 3-1 loss last April Arsenal There should be enough fodder for a frank and open exchange of opinions around the first week of pre-season.
2. Collective Vulnerability
From young players on the sidelines to established leaders; Every team member needs to show humility and fragility to form a strong bond.
“Share your pain with each other through stories of trauma, heavy losses, how you grew up, the trauma in your life that you went through. Acknowledge that you need some help. thing.”
With United’s 4-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion took place just a month ago and still fresh in mind, that might be a good place to start.
3. General purpose
The more individual players feel confident enough to share their individual ambitions, the stronger the team unit becomes as everyone begins to pull in the same direction.
“Everybody has to have a purpose. Find out ‘why?’ especially important. That was the beginning of it all. “Why are you playing at [Manchester United]? What do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve that? What is your legacy? What do you want to leave here? ‘”
It’s hard to think of any United player who has created a memorable legacy for themselves in recent years. Indeed, it is difficult to envision any bronze statues outside the stadium pending for any player who has lost by a combined 15-1 aggregate score in four games against the opponents. Liverpool and Manchester City last season. Maybe the Red Devils will build a monument outside Anfield to Win 5-0 in October at Old TraffordHowever.
Really wise words.
While United fans will no doubt be hoping that some big moves in the transfer market are also happening this summer, they will likely be nervous to learn a cultural shift within the club could mean a change of heart. could happen if McClaren’s manifesto was noticed.
