Erik ten Hag reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to Manchester United ending trophy drought
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was thrilled with Manchester United’s drought-ending Carabao Cup win but urged the squad to keep pushing for more silverware.
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The legendary Scot was a delighted spectator at Wembley last weekend to watch the Red Devils see off Newcastle and secure their first trophy in nearly six years, since winning the Europa League in May 2017.
United have also progressed to the last 16 in that very competition after dispatching Barcelona, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after beating West Ham in midweek, while they still have an outside shot of challenging for the Premier League title.
Next up, they travel to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side who are beginning to re-find their form – save for a disastrous second-half display against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Ten Hag is keen for United’s excellent form to continue and is not satisfied with winning the Carabao Cup, a feeling that is shared by Sir Alex.
Asked how Sir Alex reacted to the Carabao Cup win and what he said to the players in the dressing room, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: ‘I think he was happy with the performance!
‘He was happy that Manchester United is winning [again] and he is hoping that more wins and more trophies are coming in.’
Asked if it is at all unnerving having the legendary Scot watching him so closely, Ten Hag replied: ‘No, I enjoy it.
‘It’s inspiring to have a big, inspirational man like him, a personality, who won everything.
‘So he knows what winning is, he knows the culture of winning. And as a sound port, to talk with him about that, to learn, but also for the players it’s inspiring I think to have him around.’
Ten Hag enjoys a close relationship with Sir Alex and was recently spotted having dinner with the former United boss in Wilmslow – ironically while Liverpool were getting ripped apart by Real Madrid.
Asked what he speaks to Sir Alex about, Ten Hag replied, ‘I keep that for me!’ before adding, ‘We have so many matches coming up and you discuss about it.’
After United’s trip to Anfield they then host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, before relegation-battling Southampton visit Old Trafford a few days later.
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Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/05/erik-ten-hag-reveals-sir-alexs-reaction-to-man-utd-ending-trophy-drought-18387945/