Despite something of a rough few years, there’s no denying that for many managers the chance to manage Manchester United is a dream.
The Red Devils remain one of the biggest clubs in the world and an attractive prospect for any manager, even with the undisputed issues over the Glazers and ownership.
Getting to the point where United want you is no easy feat, though, something it appears Belgian manager Philippe Clement is more than aware of as he discusses his future with Het Nieuwsblad today.
The Belgian boss currently finds himself out of work after leaving AS Monaco in June and so far the offers have not been forthcoming.
That’s something of a surprise to Het Niuewsblad, who question how a manager who enjoyed a solid spell with the Ligue 1 side, and both Club Brugge and Genk in Belgium, isn’t more sought after.
Indeed, it seems odd to them how a manager who has won three Belgian titles with two different clubs, as well as being Belgium’s best coach for two straight years, would be short of offers.
They cite Erik ten Hag as an example of how that should provide Clement with a platform, given the Dutch coach won four titles with Ajax and ‘was able to go to Manchester United’ off the back of that.
That was a considerable step up, especially given how United had gone for vastly experienced coaches such as Jose Mourinho and Lous van Gaal previously.
It instead appears that Clement will have to accept clubs ‘just below Manchester United’, something it seems he is more than accepting of.
“Manchester United or that level may still be too high, but it should be possible to go below that,” he said.
“Don’t you believe me? You also said at the time that I had to stay in the shadows as an assistant and not go for the head coach position. That club will come. Some contacts are kept warm.
“I have also been working with my agent Evert Mae-schalck for a long time. But there are also other agents who call me.
“But as a Belgian it is more difficult; I can feel that. We don’t have a network of compatriots abroad like other nationalities.
“After 32 years on that roller-coaster — professional footballer, assistant, head coach, always working, working, working, seven days a week – this period can be cathartic.
“It’s strange that I don’t have to work, but I also see it as an opportunity. Perhaps even more useful than if I had continued working. I step back, look back… I’m doing things I couldn’t do before. Ten years from now this will have proved to be a useful period.”
