FOOTBALL: UTD WANT McCLAREN BACK

SIR ALEX FERGUSON wants Steve McClaren back at Old Trafford as assistant manager.

The Manchester United boss, who will tomorrow sign a new pounds 14.6m three-year contract, wants his former No2 to leave Middlesbrough and return to oversee team affairs.

McClaren is already aware of Ferguson's interest and will sit down over the next few days to consider the implications of a move back to the Theatre of Dreams.

McClaren quit United last summer

after the board made it clear he wouldn't get the manager's job Ferguson was expected to vacate at the end of the season.

Ferguson's decision to call off his retirement has prompted him to consider a return for McClaren, who is struggling at Boro.

McClaren could be offered more power than he had during his first stay, although money may be a stumbling block. The former Derby coach is on around pounds 1.2m a year at Boro. He would also demand that his current role in the England coaching set-up is allowed to continue.

When Fergie signs his new three-year deal he will be earning pounds 4.5m a year. His basic pounds 90,000-a-week deal makes him the highest-paid manager in the country by pounds 2m a year.

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