‘Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson’ – Erik Ten Hag lauded by Man Utd legend after Red Devils beat Barcelona
PETER SCHMEICHEL believes that Manchester United have found their next Sir Alex Ferguson in Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch manager masterminded the club’s Europa League victory over Barcelona last night at Old Trafford.
United came from behind on the night after Robert Lewandowski’s opener to win the game 2-1, and 4-3 on aggregate.
The Europa League is not the only competition that the Red Devils are doing well in.
The club are in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, are third in the Premier League and are still in the FA Cup.
It is ten years since Ferguson retired having led the club to 38 trophies in 26 years as manager.
Ten Hag met with Ferguson ahead of the clash with Barcelona at a restaurant in Wilmslow to discuss the match.
Schmeichel now believes that Ten Hag has proved he is the “right man” for the club, and compared him to the legendary Scot.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It has taken 10 years to get to this point,’ for me this season anything can really happen.
“Manchester United can win everything or nothing but we have seen the progress.
“Every situation has been dealt with properly by Erik ten Hag, like a good manager should.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson… I am sitting here thinking ‘wow, we have got the right man’.”
Schmeichel was not the only former United player to laud the former Ajax boss as Owen Hargreaves insisted that he has “transformed” the club.
He told BT Sport: “It feels like everything has changed.
“The atmosphere, the performance on the pitch, the manager.
“It feels so much more positive and gives confidence. It feels a different place.
“Ten Hag has transformed this football club. The energy is different. It has been a breath of fresh air.
“It feels like the feel-good factor is coming back. Sunday [Carabao Cup final] could be another big step.
“[It’s] amazing. Everyone is smiling. The manager’s changes affected this game and the crowd, this is what they have been dreaming of.
“They have a huge game on Sunday but this was a big match in Manchester United’s season.”
United will now face Real Betis in the next round of the Europa League.