Holden reveals ‘invaluable’ Ten Hag gesture

The pair went up against each other in the quarter-finals last night, with Ten Hag’s Reds triumphing 3-0 over our League One visitors to progress to the last four of the competition. 

And although Holden wishes it had been a better result for his side, the opportunity to manage at Old Trafford for the first time, as a lifelong United fan, will ensure the night lives long in his memory.

The Charlton boss, who was appointed last month, made no secret about his affection for his boyhood club in the build-up to the match and has spoken since of a special moment he shared with Erik, following the full-time whistle. 

“Erik came and got me five minutes following the game and invited me into his office. We shared a bottle of beer together, he gave me a bottle of wine for my wife, and I think it’s Rashford’s shirt,” he told CharltonTV.

“More importantly than that, he’s asked me to go into Carrington and have a look at the way they operate. For me as a young coach, that’s invaluable to learn from some of the top guys.

“He was very complimentary, as was Steve McClaren, in terms of they’d done a lot of work on us. They take every game [seriously], they did as much preparation for us as they’re going to do for Man City at the weekend. 

“It shows the standards that they set, and they had some really good things to say about some of our young players. That really pleases me. That’s the biggest thing of the night I think.”

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Holden outlined his respect for Erik further when asked if he hopes that United now go on and win the tournament.

“Yeah, of course,” he responded.

“Maybe I get to take my kids to another cup final. We’re racking them up, me, my dad and my brother.

“I’ve got so much respect for Erik. I’ve watched from afar looking at the way he’s got the connection back with the fans, focused on the culture.

“Having met him there for 10-15 minutes, it’s an insight into what top-level management is about. My respect for him has gone even higher. Of course, I would hope they go on and win the tournament.”

The Charlton manager had his family in the Old Trafford stands to witness the special personal occasion on Tuesday evening.

His dad – a particularly dedicated Red who has followed the club closely throughout his life – was one of his several close family members in attendance.

“It was pretty magical. It was an incredible experience,” Holden continued, talking about the opportunity to manage at Old Trafford.

“During the game, I was totally focused, I could have been coaching my daughter’s under-8s team. I was totally focused in the moment.

“But I have stood and sat in every corner of this stadium over the years, and never once did I really believe that I would stand in that technical area.

“What it shows you is, if you work hard enough and you get a little bit of luck on your side, which you need, anything’s possible.

“My dad’s next door, 70 years old, [and he's] been coming here for 60-odd years and, wow, for him to see his son coming out with his other son and all his daughters around is a pretty special moment.”