Ten Hag reveals admiration for Andreas

The 27-year-old called time on his 11-year association with club in the summer and joined recently promoted Fulham, on a permanent deal.

Having so far made 31 appearances for Marco Silva's side this season, the Brazil international has become something of a stand-out player at Craven Cottage and will be keen to ruin our attempts to progress to the last four of the competition on Sunday afternoon.

Ten Hag has worked with Andreas in the past, at former club PSV Eindhoven, and was keen to show his admiration for Pereira and his form so far this campaign.

''Andreas Pereira is a really good player,'' responded Erik, when asked at his pre-match if he regrets letting him leave the club.

''I [have] known him already a long time, I had him in the youth team at PSV, before he transferred to Manchester United.

''I am really happy for him and that he is progressing that well. I think it was the right step for him as I think he has to play on a regular basis.''

Spending time in the youth ranks at PSV, Andreas worked closely with Erik during his time as a coach there, before moving to United back in November 2011.

The Belgium-born playmaker made 75 appearances for our first team, whilst also enjoying four loan spells away from the club with Granada, Valencia, Lazio and Flamengo.

Opting to mark a new chapter in his career, Erik shared his admiration for the midfielder and his team, ahead of his return to the Theatre of Dreams this weekend.

''He didn't do it over several years at Manchester United, [but] then there comes a point where you have to switch,'' Erik rold reporters earlier this afternoon.

''Maybe to take a step back in order to progress in the future and I think he is doing a good job, that is quite obvious, as is Fulham.

''They are playing in a good way.''