Manchester United's head honcho, Erik ten Hag, has seen his trusted aide Mitchell van der Gaag depart from the club.
Popular coach Van der Gaag has been a key figure in Ten Hag's regime for two years at United and also during his tenure at Dutch outfit Ajax.
However, a significant reshuffle of United's coaching staff, which includes the appointment of ex-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and fellow Dutchman Rene Hake, signals the end of Van der Gaag's association with Ten Hag.
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The multilingual Van der Gaag, 52, was well-liked among United's players, and his proficiency in five languages, including English, Spanish and Portuguese, made him a crucial link in managing such an international squad.
There are mixed reports on whether it was Ten Hag who felt the need for a change in his coaching team or if the decision came from United's football leadership and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, following their thorough end-of-season review.
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![Mitchell van der Gaag](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33205432.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_FC-Copenhagen-v-Manchester-United-Group-A-UEFA-Champions-League-202324.jpg)
Van Nistelrooy and Hake were spotted at United's Carrington training complex on Monday (July 8) morning.
Where the pair were seemingly to get acquainted with the facilities and personnel before starting their new roles.
United is keeping silent on the situation regarding Van der Gaag, but it's understood that former England coach Steve McClaren, a member of Ten Hag's coaching team for the past two years, will continue in his role.
![Ruud van Nistelrooy has been out of management since leaving PSV](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/article32374546.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_ruud-van-nistelrooy-2.jpg)
McClaren shares a close bond with Sir Dave Brailsford, who is part of Ratcliffe's football leadership team at United, from his tenure as England manager, during which he sought advice on cultivating a successful winning culture in sport, reports the Mirror.
It's understood that United are holding off until contracts and work visas for Van Nistelrooy and Hake are finalised before announcing the composition of Ten Hag's coaching staff for the forthcoming season.