Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson spoke pitchside at Old Trafford before the Red Devils’ opening game of the season.
There is serious competition for Manchester United’s greatest manager of all time, with Sir Matt Busby, but for many, Sir Alex Ferguson shades it.
The legendary boss retired in 2013 and while he is a regular at Old Trafford and even at away fixtures, Fergie often keeps a low profile and rarely gives interviews.
This is why it was so refreshing to hear him speak before Manchester United’s opening game of the season, to praise the work current boss Erik ten Hag is doing.
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Sir Alex Ferguson view on 2023 Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are heading in the right direction under Erik ten Hag, who delivered the club’s first trophy since 2017, earlier this year.
Ferguson spoke to NBC Sports before kick-off, where his former player Tim Howard was working as a pundit.
He spoke highly of the way Erik ten Hag has built his squad, praising the speed in defence, and also said he is particularly excited about the signings of Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who can take the team to the next level, in his opinion.
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Ferguson said: “Ten Hag’s done a fantastic job. He’s brought his own players in, I think that was important.
“If he gets the centre forward ready quickly, they’ll be a really good side. That’s what they’ve really lacked the last few years, the rest of the team, the composition of the team is very good.
“He’s got great speed of the defenders, Varane and Martinez, the midfield Eriksen and Mount, so there’s a foundation there. The foundations are always completed by the goalkeeper and centre forward
“There’s a goalkeeper there who’s very athletic, and the centre-forward [you] hope he’s fit quickly.”
Sir Alex Ferguson seal of approval
Sir Alex Ferguson clearly likes what he sees from Erik ten Hag’s side, and so do supporters. Nobody is putting expectations too high this season, the scale of the mountain to climb is a high one.
Yet, there’s a feeling that Ten Hag has United making the ascent once again, rather than falling further and further away.
United made significant progress last season, and this season could be another one of further progression.
Fergie picked out Rasmus Hojlund as a player who can make a difference. He is not quite fit yet, and will need another few weeks. We may only see the best of this United side once the Dane is healthy and fully up to speed.