Man Utd 'make contact' with member of 1999 treble-winning side to seal sensational return to Old Trafford

Manchester United have made contact with a member of their 1999 treble-winning side as they look to bring him back to the club, reports claim.

It's set to be a summer of change at United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, with the likes of Jason Wilcox and Omar Barrada already taking up key roles.

United are also keen on bringing in Dan Ashworth, currently at Newcastle United, as sporting director.

But in a surprise twist, it's said that Jaap Stam could be heading back to Old Trafford.

An exclusive from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb states that United have begun discussions with the Dutchman about a return.

The club believe Stam could be a good fit for a new role which links the players and the technical staff.

Conversations are at an extremely early stage, with the situation being "evaluated".

Stam joined United from PSV for a fee of £10.8 million in 1998, becoming the most expensive defender in history at the time.

He went on to make 127 appearances for United, winning three consecutive Premier League titles and the treble in 1999, before departing for Lazio in a £16 million switch.

Image: Getty

The 67-cap Netherlands international is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation and went on to make the transition to coach.

He started out as assistant manager at PEC Zwolle in 2009 before later heading back to Ajax in a coaching capacity.

Stam's first managerial gig was at Reading between 2016 and 2018 and he later returned to the Netherlands to coach both Zwolle and Feyenoord.

Image: Getty

His latest job was in the MLS with FC Cincinnati, who relieved him of his duties in September 2021 after losing 26 of his 47 games in charge.

There is no word on whether his potential hire is related to the decision made on compatriot Erik ten Hag's future.