Man Utd coach Steve McClaren linked with shock international switch amid Old Trafford backroom changes

The former England manager has been part of Erik ten Hag's coaching setup at United for the past two years, having returned to Old Trafford after previously working for Sir Alex Ferguson. Now, reports in Nigeria suggest he is on a three-man shortlist to replace Finidi George - who left his role as Super Eagles manager last month.

The report adds the ex-FC Twente manager has held talks with Nigeria Football Federation officials, with Frenchman Herve Renard and Belgian Tom Saintfiet also up for the role. The Super Eagles are said to want a new manager in place before they start their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.

This comes at a time when United confirmed Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as Ten Hag's assistant managers last week. That may be the catalyst for McClaren to jump back into international management after an infamous 16-month spell as Three Lions manager between 2006-07.

Nigeria will begin their AFCON qualification campaign on September 2 against Benin. It remains to be seen if McClaren will be their new national boss for then, or if he will continue at United - whose Premier League season begins on August 16 at home to Fulham.