Erik ten Hag reveals 'massive' Sir Alex Ferguson help during dinner date ahead of Man Utd v Barcelona clash
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Published 22/02/2023 at 16:41 GMT
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for giving him valuable advice over dinner this week ahead of a Europa League clash with Barcelona. Ten Hag is aiming to become the first United manager to win the Premier League title since Fergie's retirement in 2013, and reiterated that 'it's not about credit, it's about trophies' at Old Trafford.
'His club' - Ten Hag on his meetings with Sir Alex
Sir Alex Ferguson has provided "massive" support to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag since he arrived last summer, the Dutchman has revealed.
Ten Hag has overseen a big improvement at Old Trafford this season following years of struggle in the wake of Ferguson's 2013 retirement.
Ferguson’s legacy at the club is enormous; he won 28 major honours during 27 years in charge, establishing a reputation as one of the greatest managers in the history of the game.
Ten Hag was pictured having dinner with the Scot this week ahead of his side’s Europa League play-off second leg against Barcelona, and was asked about the value of picking Fergie's brains.
"It's massive,” Ten Hag said.
"I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge and experience, and he wants to share it. He wants to help and support.
"You feel Manchester United is his club. He feels so committed and wants us to do well. It was a great night and I'm looking forward to the next night with him."
United are competing in Europe’s secondary competition, the Europa League, this season on the back of a sixth-place Premier League finish in 2021/22.
Since joining from Ajax last summer, Ten Hag has led his side to third in the Premier League table, five points off top, as well as the knockout stages in Europe, the League Cup final and the FA Cup fifth round - but the Dutchman isn’t interested in plaudits.
“It's not about credit, it's about trophies," he said.
"Every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.
"When you face teams as big as Barcelona you have to play your best otherwise you don't have a chance. Tomorrow we have to give our best performance of the season. We believe it and are looking forward to it."
United welcome Barca to Old Trafford on Thursday in a heavyweight clash, after an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg in Spain last week.
"We all want to play big games," Ten Hag said.
"When we were young, we dreamed of it and now we are in position. We really enjoy it and are really excited. We have to give our best if we want to match with the best."
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