When this season comes to a close, Erik ten Hag will welcome in a new era at Manchester United. But does Sir Alex Ferguson believe he’s up to the job?
Sir Alex Ferguson cemented himself as the greatest manager of all time throughout his illustrious career. His assertive ‘hairdryer’ treatment and tactical genius set him apart from every other coach on the planet.
He loved the club and never lost motivation.
He’d encourage his team to keep searching for goals until the last second of the game, a tradition which eventually became known as ‘Fergie Time.’
And it was this that gave United fans some of their greatest moments. Who could forget The Red Devils’ dramatic 1999 Champions League victory or Michael Owen’s stoppage-time finish against Manchester City?
He won 38 trophies, which of course, is only a good thing. However, his achievements have set expectations so high that every manager since Ferguson’s departure has crumbled under pressure. Regardless of who’s taken the reigns, the club has spiralled further into the abyss.
Now, the Old Trafford faithful have a new manager to place their belief in. But does the legendary Scotsman believe he can bring back the glory days?
Read: Why Man United players are worried about Erik ten Hag taking over as Man United manager.
Sir Alex Ferguson gives reaction to Erik ten Hag taking over as Manchester United manager
When Ralf Rangnick takes a back step at the end of the campaign, Ten Hag will begin his stint in seemingly the most complex job in football.
The Dutchman has enjoyed massive success in his homeland. He’s won two Eredivisie titles, with a third likely on the way at the end of the season.
Furthermore, he took his side on a fairytale run, all the way to the final of the 2018-19 Champions League. Along the way, Ajax scored monumental upsets over Juventus and Real Madrid.
But despite his impressive resume, it doesn’t necessarily mean he can do it at The Theatre of Dreams, and perhaps no one can.
Ten Hag is leaving the safe haven of Holland to travel to one of the tensest dressing rooms in the world. The team is packed to the brim with huge egos who don’t want to play for the club. But although the odds are stacked against the new head coach, Ferguson hopes he can be the man to turn everything around.
Although the 80-year-old lives and breaths football, he also has a huge passion for horse racing. On April 27, RTE Racing caught up with the Scot at Punchestown and asked him about his horse, Clan des Obeaux’s, chances in the race. But then they went for the juicy stuff and probed him about the new manager.
Ferguson responded: “I hope he does well because the club needs somebody to get in control, you know? I hope he does well, yeah.”
The managerial icon delivered the line with the manner of a man who’s struggled to see United decline to such a significant extent. Although Ferguson hopes Ten Hag will achieve great things, he never specified whether he thinks he will or not.
But regardless, the reaction to the 52-year-old’s appointment has gone down well with supporters. All any supporter can do is cross their fingers and hope for the best.
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