Man Utd boss hails Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence after Premier League Hall of Fame induction

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘legacy’ and impact at the club ten years on from his departure. The milestone was celebrated as he became one of the first 2023 Hall of Fame inductees, alongside former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Ferguson became a United legend during a highly successful 27-year period at Old Trafford, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues. The list of managers that followed Ferguson at the helm following his retirement failed to emulate his success and Ten Hag claimed that it is the 81-year-old that has left such high standards at his former club.

Speaking to the Premier League, the Dutchman said: “You feel it every day because he left a legacy and Manchester United is Alex Ferguson.

“He set the highest standards, the highest values, and brought the winning attitude. He built that in the club and that is the standard that you must face if you want to play for Manchester United or work for Manchester United.

“First of all, he knew when to rebuild and reconstruct a new team because he did it over two decades and every time he was successful. He did it with a balance of homegrown players and bringing big stars in.

“He got the best out of it, like working with Eric Cantona, working with [Ruud] van Nistelrooy, [Robin] van Persie, Wayne Rooney.

“That is huge if you are able to handle those personalities, but also to let them play as a team. That was always one of his most important qualities - that the team is always above any individual. It’s difficult to construct one winning team. He did it so many times!”

Where the likes of David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed, Ten Hag looks to have given United fans a glimmer of hope that he can bring the good old days back to Old Trafford. The former Ajax boss has already brought them their first bit of silverware in six years and he has revealed that Ferguson has been a huge help to him since arriving in the summer.

“His experience is huge, so with all the knowledge he can help you with, he can,” Ten Hag added. “I’m really pleased that he wants to share his knowledge with me. It’s great to talk and learn from him, and I hope we can do it more often.”