Ince pleased to see United's development under Ten Hag
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince returned to Old Trafford as manager of visitors Reading in Saturday night’s FA Cup tie, and was full of praise for Erik ten Hag after the Reds’ 3-1 win.
After a dominant but ultimately fruitless first half from United, Ince’s side remained in the game until Ten Hag's side hit three second-half goals in a 12-minute period – during which Andy Carroll was dismissed for the visitors - before Amadou Mbengue netted a consolation shortly afterwards.
The Reading boss received a warm reception from all corners of Old Trafford before kick-off, including from Erik, and Ince was full of praise for his managerial counterpart.
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“I think under Ten Hag, in such a short space of time, he’s lifted the whole club,” Ince told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“He seems to have really got the club in the right position it should be to go forward, and it’s his way, it looks like he’s doing all the things. They all look like they’re all pulling together. I’m pleased, I’m really pleased as a [former] Man United player to see hopefully the future looking bright.
“I’m definitely, definitely pleased to see where United are going at this moment in time.”
Although it is United who will now progress in the FA Cup, it remained a fulfilling night back in M16 for Ince.
“[It was] enjoyable, it’s got to be, you’re playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world, you’re playing in front of 74,000 fans at a magnificent stadium. It’s a great experience for the players.
“It’s one of those where you plan all week, thinking, ‘Is he going to change, is he not going to change, is he going to play?’
“What you want as a player, when you come to Old Trafford, you want to play against the best that Man United have and we were fortunate enough to do that today.”
Watch Ten Hag's press conference
Erik spoke to reporters about his Brazilian players and Christian Eriksen after the final whistle at Old Trafford...
Ince revealed his message for Ten Hag following United’s success, and assessed our chances of potential silverware in cup competitions this term.
“I just said to him, ‘All the best, you’re doing a very good job, I wish you luck in the fifth round'. Simple as that.
“It’d be nice for Ten Hag in his first year to pick up some silverware. He’s got a great opportunity now in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, it depends who you get drawn, but United playing the way they have been, there’s no reason why they can't.”