Ex-Man Utd midfielder makes ‘classy’ claim about Erik ten Hag after on-camera moment

Paul Ince praised Erik ten Hag’s ‘classy touch’ ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The United manager presented Ince with a bottle of wine at the Amex and apologised for failing to have a drink with the ex-Red Devil when he was the opposition manager at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Ince brought his Reading side to United in January for an FA Cup fourth-round tie, which the hosts won 3-0 thanks to a Casemiro brace and a strike from Fred. However, after the game Ten Hag’s media duties prevented him from sharing a glass of wine with the former midfielder, and with Ince on Sky Sports punditry duty in Brighton, the Dutchman used it as opportunity to present him with a bottle before his pre-match interview.

“I owe him one,” said Ten Hag. “There is not always time for a drink after the game but you are always welcome.”

“We’ll share it after you win the [FA] Cup final,” Ince responded, before expressing his admiration for the United manager.

“That is a classy touch,” he said. “Normally when I managed, whether you win, lose or draw you invite him [the opposition manager] into the office. Obviously he was too busy after, but what a lovely gesture. I can see that’s played on his mind. It’s a lovely touch and much appreciated.”

Ince, who played 281 times for United and was part of Alex Ferguson’s first title-winning side, was relieved of his duties at Reading in April after a poor run of form saw the Royals sink into the relegation zone.