MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 22: First Team Coach Steve McClaren of Manchester United in action during a pre-season training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 22, 2024 in Manchester, England.

McClaren leaves Man United to become Jamaica head coach

Ash Donelon / Manchester United / Getty

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Jamaica hired Steve McClaren as head coach of its men’s soccer team Wednesday on a two-year contract.

“I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career,” the 63-year-old former England manager said.

McClaren leaves his role as first-team coach at Manchester United, having returned to Old Trafford in 2022 to form part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom team after previously working with the Dutchman during his time coaching FC Twente.

The Reggae Boyz had been without a manager since Heimir Hallgrimsson left earlier in July after a disappointing Copa America. The Icelandic coach has since taken charge of Ireland.

“We are confident we made the right decision and we are looking forward to him guiding our nation towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaica Football Federation.