06 January 2024 , 13:56
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Manchester United icon Brian McClair scoffed at suggestions that his former club could finish in the top four this season.
McClair spent 11 years at Old Trafford as a player after arriving from Celtic in 1987, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup during his time with United. He would eventually return for a nine-year spell heading up the Red Devils' academy starting in 2006.
The success that McClair enjoyed as a United player is a far cry from the current state of the club. They last won the title 10 years ago, while Erik ten Hag's current squad have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League this season.
United's current struggles were foreseen by McClair, who was involved in a pre-season Q&A with The Athletic. It was suggested to McClair that Ten Hag's side could repeat their third-placed finish of last season with an even greater points tally.
According to the report, McClair openly laughed before he answered the question. For his prediction, the former United star said: “Between fifth and seventh. And that’s if United get lucky with injuries.”
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Brian McClair laughed off suggestions that Manchester United could finish in the top four this season (YouTube/Stretford Paddock)United have not got lucky with injuries though, while those who have played have produced a tepid brand of football for much of the campaign. Back in January last year, United fans were left stunned by McClair's new look.
The former striker was spotted having a drink in The Gold Cup pub in Manchester. During his decade-long spell with the Red Devils, McClair had sported brown hair and was usually clean shaven.
In the picture though, he had long grey hair and a bushy white beard, leading to United supporters pointing out his resemblance to Father Christmas. A month later, McClair made it clear that Ten Hag had his full backing as manager.
McClair insisted the Dutchman was similar to his legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The former United star highlighted Ten Hag's dropping of Marcus Rashford for being late as an example of how the two are alike.
“I really like Erik and yes, there’s similarities with Sir Alex Ferguson. Clearly Erik feels that discipline on and off-the-pitch is very important," McClair told iNews when asked about Ten Hag's suitability for United.
"Sir Alex would have done exactly the same as he did with Marcus [Rashford] with the time-keeping. Then there’s the winning culture, he’s not prioritised any games, he’s picked a team to win every game this week. It builds a momentum of its own.”