Who is Mitchell van der Gaag? Manchester United assistant in charge vs Everton's previous managerial record
Man United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag will be taking Erik ten Hag's place on the touchline for the Premier League clash vs Everton on Sunday afternoon
Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag will be promoted to Erik ten Hag's position on the touchline on Sunday afternoon when the Reds travel to Everton.
Ten Hag will have to watch on from the director's box at Goodison Park following his one-match touchline ban after he received his third booking of the season at home to Luton Town prior to the international break. This means the Dutchman cannot be pitchside at any time but he will be allowed to speak to his players prior, post and at half-time.
With Ten Hag in the stands, the Dutchman confirmed on Sunday morning Van der Gaag will be taking the lead pitchside. MEN Sport has taken a look at the boss' No.2 and who he is.
READ MORE: Van der Gaag's incredible journey to United
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Who is Mitchell van der Gaag?
Van der Gaag joined United at the same time as Ten Hag having been his assistant at Ajax. Van der Gaag began working with the boss in June 2021 and has enjoyed a positive working relationship in the years since.
At the time of his arrival, Ten Hag spoke highly of his No.2: "Mitchell van der Gaag also has a lot of experience, firstly as a player. He played many games at the highest levels in different leagues. After that he became a coach, also in different countries and different levels. So he came with a lot of experience."
What is Mitchell van der Gaag's managerial record?
The United assistant has had a wide-ranging managerial career before making the switch to Old Trafford. Among the notable clubs he has managed are FC Eindhoven and NAC Breda.
He started out in management in 2009 at Portuguese side Maritimo where he averaged 1.36 points per game over 36 matches.
Van der Gaag then led Belenenses to the 2012/13 second division title, though his coaching career was temporarily put on hold in 2013 after suffering a cardiac arrest while on the touchline. During 57 games in charge of the Portuguese side, Van der Gaag averaged 2.04 points per game
A five-game spell in charge of Cypriot side Ermis Aradippou yielded a respectable seven points but the Dutchman departed after refusing to extend his contract for the following season.
Spells at FC Eindhoven (1.69 points per game) and Excelsior (1.13 points per game) followed.
His last managerial role came just prior to becoming assistant at Ajax when he led their U21s. Van der Gaag enjoyed a successful stint with the academy averaging 1.4 points per game in 67 matches.
However, his last senior management role was less successful. At Breda he was in charge for 27 matches with an average of 0.63 points accumulated. Van der Gaag was sacked in March that season but it was not enough to avoid them being relegated from the Eredivisie.
By contrast, Erik ten Hag has averaged 2.01 points during his spell in charge of Manchester United.
United's Adidas home shirt is made up of the same colour of the city's iconic red rose and features a black collar. The collar also features a dash of both red and white, giving it a slick and modernised look.