Sir Alex Ferguson gives verdict on Erik ten Hag, Marcus Rashford and Man Utd transfer plans

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Erik ten Hag in a rare TV interview, with the former Manchester United manager speaking at Wembley following the team’s victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

It was the first piece of silverware of the Ten Hag era and only the fourth major trophy the club have won since Ferguson’s retirement from United nearly a decade ago. The 81-year-old was invited into the team dressing room after the game along with co-chairman Avram Glazer, both of whom also congratulated Ten Hag in person after he guided the team to the first accolade since 2017.

Asked what he made of the United’s boss’ start to life at Old Trafford, Ferguson told Sky Sports: “Erik mentioned it this morning, and I think he’s right. United are based on success and he’s going the right way about it. His signings have been really good, I think that was important.

“And he’s got a grip of the club which is really, really big for him. When you come to United, you try and get off to a good start right away and he’s doing well, he really is. I think for Erik he has got Steve McClaren, Steve was with us for a few years and that experience helps and I think Steve will play a big part in that.”

United picked up the Carabao Cup thanks to a 2-0 win on Sunday, with Casemiro and Marcus Rashford getting the goals. The latter, whose strike was initially deemed to be a Sven Botman own-goal, netted in every round of the competition this season for United and has moved onto a personal record of 25 goals for the campaign.

Despite that, Ferguson feels United need more options up top and claimed Rashford’s best work comes out wide rather than through the middle.

“I don’t think he’s a striker,” claimed the Scotsman. “The way he operates from the left-hand side is fantastic. His finishing is always good, he always keeps his shots down, which is really important for a striker. He’s in a great vein of form. Unfortunately for us he’s the main source of goals, we could do with an extra one.”