22 February 2023 , 07:47
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Erik ten Hag was pictured having dinner with legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of what is a huge week at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a great impact since his arrival from Dutch giants Ajax in the summer. He has led the Red Devils to the Carabao Cup final and third place in the Premier League table.
United also have a huge Europa League playoff clash with Barcelona to consider on Thursday. If Ten Hag is feeling the nerves ahead of those two huge matches, he did not show it whilst he picked the brains of Sir Alex.
The pair were pictured deep in conversation at Cibo restaurant in Wilmslow on Tuesday night - the same time fierce rivals Liverpool were falling to a heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of Spanish giants Real Madrid at Anfield.
Speaking at his press-conference ahead on Wednesday, Ten Hag revealed: "I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience.
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"He wants to share it, he wants to help and support. Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed."
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Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag enjoyed dinner together in Wilmslow (Red Issue)
Erik ten Hag has enjoyed an excellent first season with Man Utd (Getty Images)Speaking to RTE Racing immediately after the Dutchman was appointed, the iconic Scottish manager said : “I hope he does well [Ten Hag], because the club needs someone to get in control – I hope he does well yeah.”
His expectations have been exceeded in the months since. It is thought that Ferguson is a huge admirer of what Ten Hag has done for the Red Devils following his arrival, having immediately taken control of a stuttering squad and gotten them back on track.
That has seen Sir Alex’s attendance at matches increase over the past few months. The 81-year-old was already a regular presence at home matches but has now started to attend a vast array of away matches.
He was at the Camp Nou last week as Marcus Rashford helped the Red Devils to a 2-2 draw against Barcelona ahead of Thursday’s second-leg. Heading into the second-leg, Ten Hag was pictured gesturing to the Man United crowd following the 3-0 victory over Leicester and has now revealed exactly what he said.
"I said come Thursday," the Dutchman confirmed. "It's a big game, make sure you are there and we beat Barcelona together."
It goes without saying that the Red Devils will certainly be aiming to enjoy better fortunes compared to their fierce rivals Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men initially looked to be en route to a memorable Champions League victory over Real Madrid after racing into a 2-0 lead.
The Spanish side completed a turnaround minutes after the half-time interval, with Karim Benzema extending the lead further with a brace.
Following their clash with Barcelona on Thursday, United will immediately turn their attentions to another huge clash as Ten Hag attempts to claim silverware during his first season. The Red Devils take on Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday and could secure their first trophy since 2017.
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