Jaap Stam would ‘straight away’ accept a coaching role at under the club’s new permanent manager.
boss Erik ten Hag was interviewed by the club last week and is considered the current front runner for the job – although Paris Saint-Germain boss and Spain head coach Luis Enrique are also under consideration.
According to reports last week, Ten Hag wants to bring in a former player who understands ‘the bond’ between the squad, staff and fans if he is named the new United boss.
Stam was named alongside former United strikers Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie as possible candidates for the role.
And the former centre-half, who left his last role as manager of MLS side FC Cincinnati last September, says he would have no hesitation in helping his former club and working alongside his fellow Dutchman.
‘If they (Manchester United) would ask me (to take a coaching/managerial role), I would do it straight away without a doubt,’ Stam told .
‘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.’
He continued: ‘In any way, if I could help them out, I would be tempted to do it.”
‘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.”
‘Like I said, you never know, that would be interesting.’
‘It’s all about owners, it’s all about technical directors, it’s all about coaches that step in, who do they want as assistant coaches. That’s how it goes.’
Meanwhile, Ajax technical manager Gerry Hamstra has not given up on ten Hag remaining at the club beyond this season – but admits he ‘knows how the world works’ with the head coach firmly on United’s radar.
‘It would be fantastic if he is still Ajax’s coach next season,’ Hamstra told Voetbal International.
‘He still has an ongoing contract with Ajax, but we also all know how the world works.
‘Erik is a professional and focuses on this season himself, on the important months ahead in which the prizes will be distributed.
‘The future will tell, but it is clear that Erik is very important for Ajax.’
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