Ex QPR and Newcastle United manager quits Man Utd to take up 'unexpected' international job

Former QPR manager Steve McClaren is to quit his backroom role at Premier League outfit Manchester United in favour of a return to management with the Jamaican international side.

The news comes as somewhat of a curveball with the 63-year-old former England boss not having worked as a manager since his sacking from Loftus Road in 2019. McClaren has been assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United since 2022, helping the Red Devils to a Carabao Cup win in 2023 and an FA Cup triumph in 2023.

McClaren has signed a two-year deal with The Reggae Boyz, with the nation on the lookout for a new manager since Heimir Hallgrimsson left his post last month after a disappointing Copa America. Steve Bruce and Dwight Yorke had been named as potential appointments but it is former Middlesbrough and Newcastle United boss McClaren who has taken the job.

The former midfielder, who spent six years playing for Hull City between 1979 and 1985, said: "I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of head coach for The Jamaica Men's National Team. Although the opportunity has come somewhat unexpectedly I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career

"Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed. In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead.

"The target for Jamaica is to qualify for a place at the World Cup, hosted in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026. This is a challenge that we as a team will strive to deliver during the upcoming qualifying campaign."

McClaren was appointed QPR manager in May 2018, signing a two-year deal with the club. He had previously worked as a first team coach with the R's between July and September 2013.

As he arrived at Loftus Road, the manager told the club: “It’s great to be back – and it’s a challenge that I’m excited by.

“I must admit that I’ve followed the club closely over the last five years, because of the three months I had here. From the outside, I’ve seen the progress, work and changes that have gone on – especially over the last two years – in streamlining the squad and getting the budget down. The Board and owners deserve credit for that.

“The introduction of younger players has been a breath of fresh air and it’s exciting for the future. I like to play attractive, attacking football – and we’ve got young, hungry footballers here who can play that way. The priority is to win football matches – but we want to win them in a certain style.”

McClaren lasted just under 12 months at Loftus Road, being sacked in April 2019 with just one win in 15 games.