Sir Alex Ferguson gives verdict on Manchester United hiring Erik ten Hag

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Sir Alex Ferguson has thrown his support behind Manchester United hiring Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag was announced as United manager seven days ago, and former boss Ferguson has broken his silence.

Speaking to Irish channel RTE, quoted by The Mirror, Ferguson offered his best wishes to the incoming manager, and urged him to assert his authority.

Ten Hag will take over at the end of the season, once his season at Ajax is complete.

‘Get in control’

Ferguson said: “I hope he does well, the club needs someone to get in control and I hope he does well.”

His comments reflect his own disciplinarian style as manager, with a nod to the player power being out of control at the club in recent seasons.

Ten Hag should have the right balance between Jose Mourinho’s strict approach and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s laid back style.

He will also be urged to ship out problem players, and those who do not wish to be part of the club. United’s squad is too bloated at present, with too many passengers.

• INSIGHT: Erik ten Hag worked for two years at Bayern Munich II, learning from first team boss Pep Guardiola.
• IMPACT: After a spell at Utrecht, Ten Hag was hired by Ajax and within 18 months had led them to a Champions League semi-final.
• TROPHIES: Ten Hag has won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax and two KNVB Cups, and hopes to win a third title this season.
• GOALS: Ajax have scored 98 goals in the league this season and conceded only 19 in 34 matches.

It is unclear what level of consultation, if any, was given to Ferguson in Ten Hag’s appointment.

Ferguson famously recommended David Moyes, and also had a hand in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment.

He was also a fan of alternative candidate Mauricio Pochettino, previously meeting with him, although it is uncertain whether he was actually his preference for the job in 2022.

Ten Hag’s devotion to using youth players and playing attacking football is similar to Ferguson’s principles. If he can have a fraction of his success at United, he will have done very well.