Jaap Stam announced as Reading boss

The ex-Dutch international, who helped United win the Treble in 1999, has worked on the Ajax staff over the past three seasons.

Stam succeeds Brian McDermott, whose second spell at the Madjeski Stadium lasted just five months.

"Reading are very ambitious like I am and want to get back to the Premier League," he said. "Hopefully we can have a good partnership and get there."

"I spoke to Koeman and Hiddink about the job. It's important to talk to different people. I asked them what you need to know. You need to use the advice you get.

"We're going to talk to the squad after the press conference and see what we need to do."

Stam also played for PSV Eindhoven, Lazio and AC Milan, while he clinched a Premier League winners’ medal in each of his three seasons at United.