Sir Alex Ferguson rates Ten Hag's first year
Sir Alex Ferguson is impressed with Erik ten Hag’s first year in charge at Manchester United and believes new signing Rasmus Hojlund could put the finishing touches to the Dutchman’s squad overhaul.
Hojlund is yet to make his debut for the Reds since joining from Atalanta due to injury, but our legendary former manager hopes that he can be the type of centre-forward he thinks we’ve been lacking.
Ferguson praised the business Ten Hag has overseen over the past 12 months, with goalkeeper Andre Onana and Hojlund potentially completing the experienced foundations already in place at Old Trafford.
“I think Ten Hag’s done a fantastic job. He’s grabbed it, he’s brought his own players in and if he gets the centre-forward ready quickly, I think they’ll be a really good side,” said Sir Alex, in a pitchside interview with American broadcaster NBC before our 1-0 win over Wolves.
That familiar pitchside walk
We've lost count of the number of times Sir Alex Ferguson has strode down this Old Trafford touchline...
“That’s what they’ve really lacked – a centre-forward – for the last few years. The rest of the team, the composition is very good. He’s got great experience in the defence, with Varane and Martinez, and experience in midfield, with Eriksen and Casemiro, so there’s a foundation there.
“The foundations are always completed by your goalkeeper and your centre-forward. The new goalkeeper is very athletic and the new centre-forward, hopefully he’s fit quickly.”
Sir Alex knows all about what it takes to be a Manchester United player and said those arriving at Old Trafford must be prepared for the massive scrutiny that comes with the job.
“There’s no point of them coming here if they don’t understand what expectation means. The expectation at this club is huge,” he added.
“Every player we bought in my time, most of them accepted that. There’s no point coming to a club like this when you don’t have your own expectation and responsibility for your own performance.
“I think that’s a really important part and when you’re recruiting someone, you really should identify what you’re buying. That is important.
“When we were looking at players to buy, we watched them for a long time. It wasn’t an overnight thing. We did the research and we were sure they were the right type for our club.”