Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on the pressure of Sir Alex Ferguson’s gaze, insisting it galvanises him.
Legendary figure Ferguson, who won 38 trophies in his 26 years at Old Trafford, watched on from the stands as the club secured their first trophy under Ten Hag in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle last month.
The Dutchman, 53, who moved from Ajax this summer, met the Scot for dinner in February ahead of key clashes with Barcelona in the Champions League and Newcsatle in the Wembley final.
Ten Hag led United to wins in both games, and has now claimed he enjoys being monitored by the 81-year-old.
He said: ‘I think he was happy with the performance (in the final), he was happy Manchester United is winning. He is hoping there are more wins and more trophies coming in.’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (right) has insisted he enjoys the pressure of being watched by iconic former boss Sir Alex Ferguson (left), who won 38 trophies at Old Trafford
Fergie then watched from the stands as former Ajax manager Ten Hag secured the first trophy of his tenure, a 2-0 win against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in late February
When asked how difficult it is having Ferguson watching him, Ten Hag added: ‘I enjoy it. It’s inspiring to have a big inspiration like him.
‘A man, a personality, who won everything so he knows what winning is, he knows the culture of winning.
‘As a sound(ing) board, to talk with him about that, to learn – but also for the players – it’s inspiring to have him around.’
He later said he would keep the advice Ferguson imparted over their dinner to himself.
The two men were pictured deep in conversation over dinner at Wilmslow restaurant Cibo before United’s play-off second leg against the Catalan giants in late February.
Ferguson lost two Champions League finals against Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, but also enjoyed two famous victories in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup final and 2008 Champions League semi-final.
United also drew 3-3 in both group games with Barca on route to winning the Treble in 1999. Asked about his meeting with Ferguson, Ten Hag said he welcomed the advice from the legendary United boss.
He concluded: ‘It’s massive. I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience. He wants to share it, he wants to help and support. Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed. We are doing well. It was a great night and I look forward to the next night with him.’