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“I would do it”- Legendary defender wants Man United return amid links to coaching job

Jaap Stam in training as Feyenoord boss. (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Jaap Stam in training as Feyenoord boss. (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Club legend Jaap Stam interested in taking up coaching role at Manchester United

Speaking to bettingexpert (h/t Manchester Evening News), club legend Jaap Stam has indicated a desire to return to Manchester United and take up a coaching role with his former employers, if given the opportunity.

Stam spent three seasons with United, where he won a hat-trick of Premier League titles and also got his hands on the UEFA Champions League trophy in 1999. He was a crucial part of the treble-winning Red Devils side in the 1998/1999 campaign, which is perhaps the greatest team put together by the club.

The Dutchman spoke about how if the Manchester side asked him to take up a coaching or managerial role in the future, he would do it straight away without a doubt because he would be tempted to help them out in any way possible.

“If they would ask me (to take a coaching/managerial role), I would do it straight away without a doubt. You know United is my life as well. I’ve had great seasons over there, won trophies and it’s been very important for me. In any way, if I could help them out, I would be tempted to do it.”

Jaap Stam said if he could help out Manchester United in any way, he would be tempted to do it. (Photo by Robin UTRECHT / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by ROBIN UTRECHT/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Jaap Stam said if he could help out Manchester United in any way, he would be tempted to do it. (Photo by Robin UTRECHT / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by ROBIN UTRECHT/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

The defender was a huge success in England after the Red Devils snapped him up from PSV Eindhoven. The centre-back became the world’s most expensive defender at the time, with Sir Alex Ferguson splashing the cash to prise Stam away from the Dutch side. He would eventually be sold to Lazio.

“Everyone is eager to help”

After retiring as a player, the 49-year-old continued his football career from the sidelines, going on to manage Jong Ajax, Reading, PEC Zwolle, Feyenoord, and FC Cincinnati. He last worked at the MLS side, before he was sacked from the role last year.

When quizzed about continuing his coaching stint at his former club, Stam admitted that they were not going to call him, but everyone who has played for the Old Trafford outfit is very eager to help the side and bring them to the top.

“I know they are probably not going to come and call me, but also in a different role, and that counts, I think, for every player who has played for United. I think everyone is very eager to help the club and hopefully, bring them to the absolute top level.”

Jaap Stam has indicated a wish to return to Manchester United to take up a coaching role.
Jaap Stam has indicated a wish to return to Manchester United to take up a coaching role.

Stam’s comments about a coaching role in Manchester come in the background of senior officials at United currently on the hunt for a new permanent manager to take charge of the club next season, to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was sacked late last year.

Stam was one of the finest defenders we have seen during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, playing 127 games at the club. He is currently without a club but has experience as a manager at clubs such as Cincinnati, PEC Zwolle, Reading, and Feyenoord.

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Erik ten Hag of Ajax Amsterdam is touted to be the leading candidate to become the next Manchester United manager, and if he does accept the English side’s offer, Stam has been linked with a possible role under the new boss.

Perhaps Stam is hinting at a possible reunion with his former side in the future real soon given the timing of his comments, but thus far, there is nothing concrete to indicate that ten Hag has been appointed as the new head coach at the Theatre of Dreams. Only time will tell if we see Stam at his old stomping ground soon enough.

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