One Manchester United coach has yet to gain the forgiveness of his wife for agreeing to take a coaching role
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Steve Holland and Michael Carrick, Interim Head Coach of Manchester United, look on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Steve Holland has enjoyed a bright start at Old Trafford working under Michael Carrick(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
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Steve Holland's wife remains unimpressed with the new Manchester United head coach after he abandoned their family holiday to join the Chelsea coaching setup. Holland was confirmed in his new position at Old Trafford earlier this month as part of the backroom team put together by Michael Carrick, who is the interim first-team head coach until the end of this season.
The 55-year-old previously served as assistant manager to England boss Gareth Southgate between 2016 and 2024, a period during which the Three Lions reached two major tournament finals.
Following the Euro 2024 loss to Spain and Southgate's departure, Holland was named as head coach of J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos, where he was dismissed in April of last year.
However, Holland has enjoyed a strong beginning at United, with the team claiming victories against Manchester City and Arsenal in his opening two matches since arriving. His commitment to his profession cannot be questioned, even dating back to his time at Chelsea.
The Stockport-born coach was Chelsea's reserve team manager from August 2009 and was promoted to the first-team by Andre Villas-Boas to work as his assistant in June 2011.
After getting the phone call, Holland, who was on holiday, didn't hesitate in flying back to the UK - much to his wife's displeasure. "I was on holiday in Spain," Holland remembered. "I took the call on day two and returned home on day three. My wife still reminds me of that regularly."
Villas-Boas was axed after nine months back in 2012 but Holland retained his position. The subsequent boss, Roberto di Matteo, claimed the Champions League but was shown the door after merely eight months.
Guus Hiddink and Steve Holland
Steve Holland spent six years as Chelsea's assistant manager(Image: Julian Finney/Getty)
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He weathered the reigns of numerous tempestuous managers who arrived and departed, including Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink, quietly making his mark through meticulous preparation and capacity to cope with enormous strain.
Holland eventually departed Chelsea to focus exclusively on England duties after the Blues secured the Premier League during Antonio Conte's inaugural campaign in charge.
"At a big club, every day is a drama," Holland subsequently revealed to the Coaches Voice. "It is never quite as bad as it is made out to be but your ability to handle these moments are decisive.
Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England, and Steve Holland, Assistant Head Coach leave the tunnel for the second half during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
Holland was Gareth Southgate's No. 2 at England for eight years(Image: Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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"My experience of life at Chelsea has taught me it is about winning. That winning mentality doesn't include feeling sorry for yourself or making excuses. It means you analyse and push to do better next time."
One insider revealed the quality of coach United now possess by telling the BBC: "Football is his life. Whether it's Champions League, thoughts on players or something else, he has a hell of a brain when it comes to football detail."
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