Steve McClaren linked with shock return to international management amid Man Utd exit rumours

Steve McClaren has been linked with a shock return to international management amid reports he could leave Manchester United this summer.

McClaren is part of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff at Man United, who reappointed him in 2022 after previously working under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ahead of the new season, Ten Hag has drafted in Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as assistant managers of the first team.

Questions have been raised over McClaren's future at Old Trafford as reports have sensationally linked him with a job at international level.

According to 'multiple reports' via The Sun, McClaren is on a three-man shortlist to replace Finidi George as Nigeria manager.

George, formerly of Ipswich Town, was relieved of his duties last month as Nigeria aim to appoint a new manager before they resume their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign in September.

McClaren is said to have held talks with Nigeria Football Federation officials.

Former Ivory Coast, Morocco and Saudi Arabia gaffer Herve Renard and Tom Saintfiet, who has managed the likes of Togo, Bangladesh and Philippines, are among the other candidates to succeed George.

Renard won AFCON titles with both Zambia and Ivory Coast and is currently in charge of the France women's team.

Steve McClaren shares an embrace with Erik ten Hag following Manchester United's FA Cup triumph. Image: Getty

The report claims NFF chiefs are believed to have expressed concerns that McClaren has never worked in Africa before.

However, his stellar resume at club level exceeds those of Renard and Saintfiet.

And it's claimed that the 63-year-old is prepared to take a pay cut in order to return to international management.

While he hasn't managed in Africa before, the Englishman boasts the likes of Man United, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest on his extensive CV.

And, of course, he managed England even though he endured a disastrous spell.