MANCHESTER UNITED
Erik ten Hag meets Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of clash between Man Utd and Barcelona
As Ten Hag continues to grow into his role at Old Trafford, he was spotted having dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson in Cheshire earlier this week.
Erik ten Hag is spending time with Manchester United’s legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
As the Dutch coach continues to grow into his role at Old Trafford, he was spotted having dinner with Sir Alex in Wilmslow, Cheshire earlier this week.
Ten Hag was asked about meeting Ferguson at a pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League second leg with Barcelona on Thursday and spoke about having him as a sounding board.
“It’s massive. I always enjoy it, to speak with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience,” Ten Hag said.
“He wants to share it, he wants to help, he wants to support. You feel Manchester United is his club, he feels so committed. He wants [to see] that we are doing well.
“It was a great night and I look forward to the next night with him.”
Ferguson, 81, continues to travel home and away to watch United and was at the Europa League first-leg tie at Camp Nou in Barcelona last week.
Ten Hag recognises Ferguson’s success at United
Former Ajax boss Ten Hag had admitted he is aware of the club’s history and watched Ferguson at the peak of his powers.
“I know the history of Man United, I know the big times and the audience, the vibe that can be around Old Trafford, " he told Pien Meulensteen in his first club media interview in May of last year.
“I watched them in their big times, when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager, during the really successful times when they won titles and were dominating Europe.
“But, also before Sir Alex, Man United was a really big club and I know names like Busby and Charlton that gave Man United a presence to the outside world from winning, and winning in a spectacular way, winning so they entertain people.
“What stays with me is there was always a fighting culture. They fight together and they get success.”