Former coach Alex Ferguson absolutely supports Erik ten Hag, and thinks that the new owner of Man Utd should retain the Dutch coach.
A source from Man Utd revealed to Sun Sport about this, because Ferguson has supported Ten Hag since the first days of the Dutch coach taking office. “Ferguson is impressed with what Ten Hag has done, especially the big decisions,” the source said.
The first big thing Ten Hag did at Man Utd was to discipline superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, after the striker voluntarily left the match early, against Tottenham on October 19, 2022. A few weeks later, Man Utd and Ronaldo also agreed to terminate the contract ahead of schedule. Recently, Ten Hag was also unhappy because striker Marcus Rashford celebrated his birthday all night right after losing to Man City. He is also isolating Jadon Sancho from the team, after the striker contradicted his words on X network.
Ronaldo is Ferguson’s favorite student, and he considers the Scottish coach like a father. On February 21, 2023, Ferguson and Ten Hag had dinner together at an Italian restaurant in England. The two discussed issues related to Man Utd as well as English football.
Ferguson still believes that Ten Hag has the right personality and mentality to change Man Utd. “Ferguson wants Ten Hag to have more time, like he received from the team in the late 80s of the last century,” the source added. “If Man Utd has new owners, they need to continue to put their trust in Ten Hag.”
Ferguson took office at Man Utd in early November 1986, and although he helped the team improve gradually, he was under great pressure because Man Utd continuously had nothing in the first three seasons. But thanks to the trust of the club’s board of directors at that time, Ferguson remained in position. It was not until the fourth season, 1989-1990, that Ferguson and Man Utd won their first title, with the FA Cup, and from there opened the most glorious period in the club’s history with 38 titles, including a record of 13. Premier League championship, two Champions League.
British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group is close to buying 25% of Man Utd shares, along with the right to run the team. The Glazer family is still a major shareholder, but will no longer have a decisive voice at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe is expected to bring to the team a new sporting director Paul Mitchell from Monaco. Many sources believe that Ratcliffe is also ready to replace Ten Hag.
Ferguson is still one of three non-executive directors at Man Utd, alongside David Gill and Michael Edelson. The current CEO of Man Utd is Richard Arnold, under him are director of football John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher.